2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This complete paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a two-term lower-division engineering course, which provides a team-based experiential learning approach to all engineering majors. The course focuses on the design-build-test of a remote controlled (RC) and an autonomous system respectively across the two terms while integrating the engineering design process. The project is designed to engage multiple engineering majors by focusing on the engineering design process and introducing each engineering discipline to the students. Technical topics directly related to the project across different fields are instructed during lecture. By working in teams with others from different majors, students also acquire engineering skills in CAD, basic machining, advanced manufacturing (3D printing and laser cutting), electrical fabrication, and microprocessor programming during lab sessions. A specific task was assigned for the RC and autonomous system respectively with students participating in a final competition at the end of each term. In addition, the course provided multi-faceted instructions on project management and teamwork, professional development, and entrepreneurship training, along with opportunities to interact with industry speakers from different engineering disciplines.

The course modality and implementation have been adapted throughout the pandemic from remote learning, hybrid learning, and in-person learning, seeking the best practices of instruction. The effectiveness of the course based on various course features, student outcomes and student motivation were evaluated through self-assessed surveys at the beginning, middle and end of the two-term class. Survey results were compared across multiple years during the pandemic to assess the impact of the course on retaining student motivation. Furthermore, results were compared with pre-pandemic data and highlighted that experiential learning had a greater impact in retaining student motivation during and post-pandemic.