Mechatronic and Meta-Cognitive Skills Uri Ben-Hanan Oded Reichsfeld PATT-20

Outline of the talk: Motivation Mechatronic evolution 1.Outset 2.synergy 3.Philosophy Mechatronic as a learning platform

Motivation Multi engineering disciplines Products Engineer training & Education Constructivism, Meta-Cognition Learning Platform

Mechatronics 4 decades of evolution time activities Industry Academy Outset synergyphilosophy

Outset Graduation as a disciplinary engineer. Similar curriculum construction in all three “ mother disciplines ” Knowledge integration is done at On Job Training Scientific and mathematics fundamentals Disciplinary Engineering science Disciplinary specialization Mechatronic On Job Training time

Synergy (T model) Programs offered at descending levels from higher degrees to practical engineer. Program: –Core disciplinary knowledge. –Adjunct courses in related subjects –Limited selection of integration courses Premise: mechatronic knowledge integration is done in student mind and at student responsibility. Scientific and mathematics fundamentals Disciplinary Engineering science Mechatronic specialization Computer science Electronic science time

From Synergy to Philosophy “ By definition, then, Mechatronics is not a subject, science or technology per se. It is instead to be regarded as philosophy – a fundamental way of looking at and doing things, and by its very nature requires a unified approach to its delivery ” Millbank, J. “ Mecha-What ”, Mechatronics Forum Newsletter, No. 6, 1993.

Philosophy (I model) Student deals with interdisciplinary challenges prior to academic programs (high school). Program: –Project Based Learning. –Hands On –Group assignments. –Focus on processes. –Allow creativity Premise: sensual inputs to mind create personal multilayered knowledge base in student mind. Scientific and mathematics fundamentals Disciplinary Engineering science Mechatronic specialization Computer science Electronic science time Interdisciplinary, hands-on, base construction

Traditional vs. Constructivist learning. Traditional theory: –Knowledge location: external to student. –No Preliminary knowledge: Tabula rasa paradigm. –Process: incremental knowledge is added to student memory. Constructivism – Knowledge location: internal in mind. – The learner has personal knowledge base. – Process: Learning constructs meaning.

Design process vs. Meta Cognition Problem analysis and understanding Gathering information building the knowledge body Proposal of conceptual solutions Selecting the best fitted solution Comparing the solution performance with the required Awareness to: - Thinking capabilities - Thinking process - Personal knowledge Self evaluation -Understanding the problem - Solution characteristic - Design the solution process - Solution evaluation - Properly resources management

Annual competitions: Varying Subjects: –Saving resources. –Road Safety –Mechatronic at Home. –Aiding disabled person –Learning Technologies. Competition: –Presenting the design Problem data gathered alternatives, selection, building process.

Mechatronic as learning platform: Creation improves: –Thinking processes –Self confidence –Self esteem. Improving girls and boys attitudes to technology as future career.