Technology-Enhanced learning in Engineering Education

Please cite as follows: Chan, CKY (2015). "Technology-Enhanced learning in Engineering Education", Engineering Education Enhancement and Research Asia (E3R Asia).

Tips for Developing and Using Technology-Enhanced Learning Tools

This section explores some of the tips for developing and using technology-enhanced learning tools.

Make the tool(s) look modern and user friendly to accommodate our digital generation, as the authenticity of the design makes the tool more engaging.
Make the tool(s) self-intuitive so that students put more effort into learning the material rather than learning how to use the program.
Consider the reasoning behind the design and why technology is used. You should only use technology if it provides benefits for student learning.
Design the learning tool(s) or material(s) to capture the interest of a learner in a way that generates motivation for further learning.
Make the content not only informative but also more interactive, so as to prompt learners to reflect on what they have learnt using the tool.
Use visual aids to capture and convey the concepts more vividly.
Motivate students to access the various online features from time to time so they can get familiarized with the operation of the technological system through class surveys, messages, feedbacks and forums. More often, it is about getting used to the system. If students are familiar with the system, they will find it useful.
Develop more interactive online tutorials that prompt students to retry when they answer incorrectly. Providing hints may also encourage students to answer.

References:

Chang, L. R, Richardson, J. C., Banky, G. P., Coller, B. D., Jaksa, M. B., Lindsay, E. D., & Maier, H. R. (2011). Practitioner reflections on engineering students' engagement with e-learning. Advances in Engineering Education Journal, 2(3), 23-24.
Gudimetla, P., & Iyers, R. M. (2006, December). The role for e-learning in engineering education: Creating quality support structures to complement traditional learning. Paper presented at the 2006 AAEE Annual Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Ubell, R. (2000). Engineers turn to e-learning. Spectrum, IEEE, 37(10), 59-63.