2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Hands-on practices are very important for every engineering technology student, especially in courses that involve the use of a microprocessor. In microprocessor-related courses, such as Embedded Systems and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), lectures primarily focus on theorems, while specific microprocessors are used in labs. Students have to invest extra time in studying the basic material related to the specific microprocessor, which is not directly connected to the theorems. Typically, instructor demonstrations and lab manuals are widely used in engineering technology education. However, there are some disadvantages to both methods. An instructor demonstrates hands-on work in class, but students often have limited time for additional practice. Furthermore, it can be challenging for students to review in-class demonstrations after class, and most students are hesitant to watch class recordings due to their length. Although lab manuals usually provide step-by-step instructions, some students may lack reading comprehension skills or simply dislike reading instructions, leading to the possibility of skipping important steps. These disadvantages can significantly hinder student performance. In this project, short demonstration videos and instructions are combined using learning management software, such as Brightspace, within lab manuals. Students can follow these short videos to complete hands-on exercises, answer questions with the assistance of concise written instructions, and benefit from video explanations. The learning management software divides a longer learning process into manageable steps, accommodating students' study time and helping them track their progress. This approach caters to various learning styles, including visual, auditory, read/write, and hands-on methods, ultimately enhancing student performance.