In this article we describe the implementation of an emerging virtual learning environment to teach GIS and spatial sciences to distance education graduate students. We discuss the benefits and ...constraints of our mixed architecture with the main focus on the innovative hybrid architecture of the virtual GIS computer laboratory. Criteria that were used to develop the virtual learning environment included: (1) Facilitating student-instructor, student-computer, and student-student interactivity using a mix of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools; (2) Developing a liberal online learning environment in which students have access to a suite of passive and active multi-media tools; and (3) Allowing student access to a mixed Web-facilitated/hybrid architecture that stimulates their cognitive geographic skills and provides hands-on experience in using GIS.
An educational software package called RIO (robotics illustrative software) has been designed and developed in order to provide a Web-based learning environment on the subject. RIO integrates the ...VRML (virtual reality modeling language) model of the robot manipulator and a Matlab /spl trade/ object representing the manipulator's topology and dynamics parameters. The user interface consists of a Java applet displayed by the Web-browser along with VRML model. The applet provides a connection to the remote host running Matlab/spl trade/. A remote PC runs MJS- Matlab/spl trade/ Java server, which is capable of intercommunicating with Matlab/spl trade/, and receives remote users connections. Matlab trade; holds an object of the manipulator being studied, however the user is able to affect the Matlab/spl trade/ object by means of Java applet GUI. Multisessions, involving several users, can be connected to the same Matlab/spl trade/ object over the Internet simultaneously.
A chief problem encountered in higher education today is the high university dropout or failure rate of students coming from secondary education. Most of them drop out in the first year of their ...studies which is when they are affected by the greater impact of university teaching after leaving the secondary system. This work proposes to analyze the causes of this impact on one of the subjects which has high failure rates in Computer Engineering studies. Based on this analysis we propose to use a complementary method for learning and evaluating the subject, which is based on virtual debates held online which has led to a break with the negative tendencies attached to this subject. This methodology was put into practice during the 2006/2007 academic year, obtaining excellent results without detriment to the quality of the content addressed in the subject.
BME 265 is a credit course exploring the strategies and tools necessary to navigate the ever increasing information resources available in the fields of biomedical engineering. Each class, a ...combination of lecture and hands-on practice, covers a single information resource. Grades are based on classroom participation; homework assignments; and a final project. The project, chosen by the student, is an oral presentation and a web site presenting the information resources best suited to his/her topic. My research interests involve how engineering students conduct research and in designing classroom and web-based instruction to enhance their information seeking strategies.
