Enhancement of traditional mode of teaching based on the experience of project-based learning
Project based learning (PBL) has become more popular due to its student centered nature of learning compared to traditional modes of learning. However, it is not always feasible to implement it due to several reasons. At the University of New South Wales, the PBL mode was trialled on an introductory Digital Signal Processing course for two consecutive years and the evaluation was previously reported. After that, based on the experience of PBL implementation, some elements of PBL have been incorporated with traditional mode of teaching to enhance the traditional mode and that enhanced traditional mode have been continued. The experience of enhancing the traditional mode with components derived from PBL, particularly the inclusion of conceptual design presentation and laboratory tests, are promising. This paper presents the task description of PBL and experience of how some of the components of PBL can be utilized to enhance the traditional mode of teaching.
Project-based learning in digital signal processing: Development and experiences
Attempts to develop the mode of course delivery towards a more student-centred approach face several difficulties for analytically complex disciplines like digital signal processing. One of these is trading off the benefits of student-focused learning with ensuring that fundamental knowledge is acquired and that students have been exposed to the key content on which later courses are built. In this paper, experiences with the development, implementation and evaluation of project-based learning in an introductory digital signal processing course over two years are discussed in detail. The approach described herein achieves aims of understanding signal processing in a self-directed manner through a project, rather than a series of isolated principles, in addition to maintaining coverage of the core curriculum. Informal evaluation has shown that students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of DSP, while formal evaluation shows that many students prefer the learning style, despite the increased effort required. Our work also demonstrates that educational technology can play an important enabling role in providing targeted, syllabusspecific lecture and tutorial content that students can access in a self-directed manner and that supports a project-based approach to teaching.
An Optimization Approach to Occupant Safety and Fuel Economy in Vehicle Design
1. Abstract A major challenge in automotive design is the creation of safe vehicles with minimal environmental impact. This study presents a modeling framework for evaluating and optimizing body designs for improved occupant safety and fuel efficiency. Vehicle body mass is considered as the main link between safety and sustainability. The modeling framework includes frontal crash energy absorption, restraint system design and fuel economy. Preliminary results indicate a Pareto-optimal curve between safety and sustainability may exist when other factors are not taken into account. A more complete modeling framework that includes more sophisticated sustainability and safety metrics, cost and other market considerations, is suggested in order to support better design and regulatory decisions. 2. Keywords: Automotive body structures, fuel economy, occupant safety, optimal vehicle design, restraint systems