The Faculty of Engineering at Bogazici University was awarded a grant for the project titled In Class Design in Engineering Courses.

We are utilizing the granted equipment in undergraduate courses in order to better teach design aspects. Freehand drawing enabled by tablet PCs are very useful in conveying design aspects. The ability to save and share these drawings is also very useful.

Aside of the obvious advantages presented by digital ink, the mobility of these devices is very important. The tablet PCs are light and powerful, which makes them very useful in creating a seamless teaching/learning experience. It is possible to program, discuss, or jot anything relevant anytime and anywhere. And this brings continuity that was difficult to attain in classroom, lab, and office experiences.

All engineering students are required to take a course on Introduction to Programming. The Computer Engineering Department offers this course. It is very challenging since:

  • The student population is very large (over 300 students/semester)
  • Varied backgrounds of first year students
  • Lack of individual computing resources
  • Difficulty inherent to learning programming for novices

In order to overcome the lack of computing resources, a web based application that enables students to construct and compile programs was created.  It also provides instruction material with executable programs and other useful information. This system, referred to as Online Compiler, enables students to access a programming development environment with a web browser, which is easily accessible in through dorms and internet cafes. It also enables students to work at their own pace.

However, the large student population still results in class room experiences that leave much to be desired. One of the key concerns is the difficulty of teaching the design aspects of computing, which we believe to lead to the poor performances often seen in this and similar courses.

Tablet PCs offer a wonderful opportunity for teaching design. First, they enable drawing which is crucial in this regard. What we normally draw on white boards can now be drawn on tablet PCs with the following advantages:

  • Drawings are more visible
  • Drawings can be captured at various crucial points, which shows the evolution of ideas
  • Captured drawings can be shared through course pages
  • The mobility of device allows the creation of a seemless learning experience that spans from classrooms, to office hours and beyond
Photos: Bogazici University HPIEE Photos

Any questions? Send us an email!

Suzan Uskudarlisuzan.uskudarliboun.edu.tr
Daghan Dincdincboun.edu.tr


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Abstract

We are using HP mobile technology in Introductory Programming course (~350 students). Lectures are given in auditorium classrooms. Lab sessions are given in large computer labs (~90 students). Tablet PCs are specifically used for teaching algorithm design.

Changes

  • Graphical expression of design aspects became digital, thus accessible
  • Visibility problem with whiteboard is eliminated
  • Continuity of learning experience

Key Outcomes

  • Students show more interest
  • Teaching is more time efficient, enjoyable, effective
  • Death-by-Powerpoint effect is eliminated
This project is ongoing, the real outcomes remain to be seen

Future Work

  • Combine our Web based IDE with Digital Ink drawing technology
  • Analytic evaluation of the impact of using HP Mobile Technology in teaching introductory programming

Poster