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oa Development of a methodology and information technology tools for micro-adaptive instruction: An engineering course case study
- Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
- Source: QScience Proceedings, Engineering Leaders Conference 2014 on Engineering Education, Aug 2015, Volume 2015, 13
Abstract
Despite the wide spread of modern teaching techniques such as the flipped classroom and blended learning, most still provide one-way feedback, from the instructor to the student. A new teaching approach – the micro-Adaptive Instruction (mAI) – isa presented in this paper. Through mAI the instructor can adapt lecture content based on student feedback and additional detailed information on their learning progress. mAI is mainly based on a multimedia platform that delivers the course material, and monitors and tracks students’ activities. The instructor is now aware of the specific topics that need to be addressed and clarified, so the lectures can be carried out more efficiently. This new approach has been tested and demonstrated on a module of Chemical Engineering Fluid Operations course (CHEN 304) at Texas A&M University at Qatar. Three evaluation metrics were implemented during and at the end of the demonstration. All metrics showed improvement at both the comprehension level and perception of the students. Around 80% of the students agreed that the collected information helped the instructor to properly adapt the lectures to their needs, while 87% believed that the platform enhanced their understanding. On average, students spent 34 active minutes on the platform while 23% spent more than 60 minutes. In spite of all the positive feedback and impact of this approach, it should be noted that significant effort might be necessary to upgrade existing teaching material to the level of the presented platform. On the other hand, this is a process that can take place gradually or even be directly adopted by educational publishers.