Virtualized Active Learning for Undergraduate Engineering Disciplines (VALUED):A Pilot in a Large Enrollment STEM Classroom

Abstract

This student poster paper presents an innovative practice in order to increase the scalability and efficacy of student problem-based team learning in large enrollment engineering classrooms. We have devised a novel Virtualized Active Learning (VAL) approach to facilitate instructional delivery, assessment, and review of teams. VAL introduces a new pathway by utilizing open-source digital environments for effective and scalable teambased learning in classroom settings while empowering equitable participation from diverse learners. The proposed method provides a unique opportunity for learners to acquire knowledge and skills that are considered vital in STEM fields such as working in multidisciplinary teams proficiently and communicating with other team members in an effective manner. Meanwhile, they are engaged in finding an optimal solution to a design problem that requires certain specific constraints to be adequately met. The results of our pilot study indicate excellent potential for VAL in large enrollment STEM courses while facilitating the instructors to provide assistance and feedback to students in real-time.