RESULTS FROM THE PILOT EXPERIMENT WITHIN THE PROJECT “NEW TRENDS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TRAINING IN A PANDEMIC”
Silviya Stoyanova-Petrova1, Diana Stoyanova2*, Sotir Sotirov3, Nadezhda Kafadarova4, Nevena Mileva5
1Assoc. Prof. Dr., Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", BULGARIA, si.vest.pet@uni-plovdiv.bg
2Assist. Prof. Dr., Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", BULGARIA, dstoyanova@uni-plovdiv.bg
3Assoc. Prof. Dr., Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", BULGARIA, ssotirov22@gmail.com
4Assoc. Prof. Dr., Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", BULGARIA, nadezhda.kafadarova@gmail.com
5Prof. Dr., Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", BULGARIA, nevena.mileva@gmail.com
*Corresponding author
Abstract
The main challenge for engineering training is to create a strong connection between theory and practice. Only in this way the new generations of engineers will be able to adapt to a fast –changing work environment. That was the reason Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" to start a project "New trends in Electrical engineering training in a pandemic" in 2021. The project aims at developing educational technology to support the laboratory exercises in electrical engineering during the distance or blended learning and to make them more effective and flexible in a pandemic. Project-based learning, remote access to laboratory equipment, computer simulations via Multisim Live and QR codes were used to support the practical classes in electrical engineering. Multimedia instructional resources were developed within the project, including: multimedia resources related to the theory, instructional videos demonstrating how to conduct the laboratory exercises or how to work with the measuring instruments in the laboratory. Students were able to access these videos during the face-to-face classes by scanning QR codes located on the laboratory equipment or printed on students’ laboratory handouts.
In this paper we present the results from a questionnaire exploring students’ satisfaction with the training in electrical engineering. The survey was conducted at the end of the pilot experiment during the first semester of the academic year 2021/2022. It involved second-year students from the speciality “Information and computer engineering”. The training was blended - 5 weeks face-to-face and 10 weeks online. All practical classes were held in the modern electrical engineering laboratory equipped under the project. The results are very positive. Over 80% of the surveyed students indicate that the developed instructional materials in electrical engineering have helped them to complete the laboratory tasks with minimal help from the educator. The results show that the use of QR codes during the face-to-face laboratory classes has helped the students to work more confident with the laboratory equipment. Most of the students are satisfied with the quality of the system for remote control of laboratory equipment. Almost 85% of them are of the opinion that the practical exercises with Multisim Live have helped them develop practical skills in simulating circuits and analysing the simulated results. Almost 75% of respondents believe that the course is consistent with their prior expectations, which is indicative of the quality of the training provided.
Keywords: blended learning, distance learning, electrical engineering, pandemic, QR code.
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