An adaptive e-learning community of practice for mechanics courses in engineering

Project Member(s): Gardner, A.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Office for Learning & Teaching (Department of Education and Training) (Office of Teaching and Learning Seed Grants)

Start year: 2010

Summary: This project will apply artificial intelligence (AI) technology to learning of threshold concepts in undergraduate engineering mechanics in Australian universities. The technology supports interactive virtual laboratory activities (simulations) through which teachers can diagnose common conceptual sticking points in large classes - sticking points that are often missed by 'book and board' teaching and can only picked up by skilled one-to-one coaching. The software allows the teacher to analyse student decisions and then adapt the activity and the feedback given to students on their actions. Pilots in UNSW have established the effectiveness of the tools and method. This project will involve a diverse group of engineering educators from leading Australian universities in extending, spreading and further evaluating the use adaptive tutorials. Furthermore, this project will focus on fostering a community of practice revolving around the use of such technology through a strong focus on staff training and cross-institutional, cross disciplinary, collaboration.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.