2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Work in Progress: Exploring Peer Support and Higher-Order Thinking in a Flipped Project-Based Cyber-Aerial Computing Course

Presented at Design in Engineering Education Division (DEED) Postcard Technical Session

This work-in-progress (WIP) paper is part of a Design-Based Research (DBR) project in an undergraduate course, Cyber-Aerial Computing, which integrates drone technology to teach embedded programming while promoting ethical awareness around privacy and security through flipped learning (FL) and project-based learning (PBL). Employing 17 junior and senior undergraduate computer science (CS) students working in pairs, the focal point of this study was to investigate the role of peer support in facilitating student learning and developing higher-order thinking skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and synthesis through collaboration during drone-centered programming tasks. Data collected through focus group interviews and mid-course and post-course surveys revealed that students frequently engaged in task-related discussions, explanation-seeking, and collaborative troubleshooting, indicating active cognitive engagement and mutual scaffolding during lab activities. The findings suggest that structured peer support carries a potential to enhance students’ persistence, problem-solving abilities, and ethical awareness in addressing privacy and security issues within drone computing.

Authors

Mrs. Burcu Stone Texas Tech University [biography]

Burcu Stone is a doctoral candidate in Instructional Technology at Texas Tech University and a Program Manager at Texas Tech University Online. Her research focuses on instructional strategies for student-centered learning, such as game-based learning and blended/personalized learning, project-based learning, and design-based research in higher education.
Deniz Bulut Texas Tech University [biography]

Deniz Bulut is a doctoral student and research assistant in the Educational Instructional Technology Program at Texas Tech University, specializing in teacher education and instructional design research.
Felix Mulei Mule Texas Tech University [biography]

Felix Mulei Mule is a doctoral candidate in Instructional Technology at Texas Tech University. My interests are in student-centered learning and project-based and blended learning. My work bridges evidence-based design with workforce-aligned training to improve learner engagement and outcomes.
Dr. Sungwon Shin Texas Tech University [biography]

Sungwon Shin is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology at Texas Tech University.
Mihwa Park Texas Tech University [biography]

Dr. Mihwa Park is an Associate Professor of STEM education at Texas Tech University. Her research interests involve developing measurement instruments to assess students' understanding of scientific concepts and their emotions when learning science. She is also interested in teachers' emotions about teaching science and teacher identity.
Dr. Sunho Lim Texas Tech University [biography]

He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Texas Tech University. His primary research interests are in the areas of Cyber Aerial Computing, Mobile Data Privacy, and Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing. He is a senior member of the IEEE.

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