The 2020 coronavirus pandemic necessitated the transition of courses across the United States from in-person to a virtual format. Effective delivery of traditional, lecture-based courses in an online setting can be difficult and determining how to best implement hands-on pedagogies in a virtual format is even more challenging. Interactive pedagogies such as hands-on learning tools, however, have proven to significantly enhance student conceptual understanding and motivation; therefore, it is worthwhile to adapt these activities for virtual instruction. Our team previously developed a number of hands-on learning tools called Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LCDLMs) that demonstrate fluid mechanics and heat transfer concepts—traditionally utilized by student groups in a classroom setting, where they perform qualitative and quantitative experiments and interactively discuss conceptual items. In this paper we examined the transition of the LCDLM hands-on pedagogy to an entirely virtual format, focusing on a subset of results with greater detail to be shown at the ASEE conference as we analyze additional data. To aid the virtual implementations, we created a number of engaging videos under two major categories: (1) demonstrations of each LCDLM showing live data collection activities and (2) short, animated, narrated videos focused on specific concepts related to learning objectives. In this paper we present preliminary results from pre- and post- implementation conceptual assessments for the hydraulic loss module and motivational surveys completed for virtual implementations of LCDLMs, and compare them with a subset of results collected during hands-on implementations in previous years. Significant differences in conceptual understanding or motivation between hands-on and virtual implementations are discussed. This paper provides useful, data-driven guidance for those seeking to switch hands-on pedagogies to a virtual format.
Second year chemical engineering doctoral student pursuing research on the development and dissemination of low-cost, hands-on learning modules displaying heat and mass transfer concepts in a highly visual, interactive format. Graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering in 2017 and an M.S. degree in chemical engineering in 2019 with an emphasis on biosensors research.
Kitana Kaiphanliam is a doctoral candidate in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at Washington State University (WSU). Her research focuses include miniaturized, hands-on learning modules for engineering education and bioreactor
Olufunso Oje is a Masters student in the Educational Psychology program at Washington State University. His research interests include learning strategies in engineering education and multimedia learning. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Enginee
Aminul Islam Khan
PhD Candidate
School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Biosketch
Khan completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2011 and 2014, respectively. He worked as an Assistant Professor at mechanical engineering department, BUET for 6 years. Currently, Khan is a Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University with multidisciplinary research including hands-on learning for STEM education, drug transport across blood-brain barrier, inverse techniques, deep learning and plans to pursue a teaching career upon earning his Ph.D.
Jacqueline Gartner is an Assistant Professor at Campbell University in the School of Engineering, which offers a broad BS in engineering with concentrations in chemical and mechanical.
Prof. Prashanta Dutta has received his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Texas A&M University in 2001. Since then he has been working as an Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. He was promoted to the rank of Associate and Full Professor in 2007 and 2013, respectively. Prof. Dutta is an elected Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He current serves as an Editor for the Electrophoresis.
Dr. Olusola O. Adesope is a Professor of Educational Psychology and a Boeing Distinguished Professor of STEM Education at Washington State University, Pullman. His research is at the intersection of educational psychology, learning sciences, and instructi
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7382-9715
Washington State University
[biography]
Prof. Bernard J. Van Wie received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D., and did his postdoctoral work at the University of Oklahoma where he also taught full courses as a graduate lecturer and then as a visiting lecturer. He has been on the Washington State University (WSU) faculty for ~ 38 years and for the past 24 years has focused on research innovative pedagogies including hands-on interactive learning. His technical research is in biotechnology. His 2007-2008 Fulbright exchange to Nigeria set the stage for him to receive the Marian Smith Award given annually to the most innovative teacher at WSU. He was also the recipient of the inaugural 2016 Innovation in Teaching Award given to one WSU faculty member per year.
David B.Thiessen received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado in
1992 and has been at Washington State University since 1994. His research interests include fluid
physics, acoustics, and engineering education.
Postdoctoral Associate, Chemical Engineering, Washington State University
PhD. Chemical Engineering (Nanomaterials and Catalysis), Washington State University, 2020
B.S. Bioengineering, Washington State University, 2015
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