1. Sketched-Truss Recognition Tutoring System: Improved Student Learning through Active Learning and Immediate Student Feedback, NSF DUE-0942400, 3/10-2/13 PI: Julie Linsey: Georgia Institute of Technology. Co-PIs: Tracy Hammond, Erin McTigue: Texas A&M University Graduate Students: Olufunmilola Atilola, Hong-hoe Kim Mechanix is a sketch recognition program that provides an efficient means for engineering students to learn how to draw truss free-body diagrams (FBDs) and open-ended truss design problems using method of joins. Students draw the FBDs, the coordinate axis, and Mechanix automatically recognizes and labels the FBD’s nodes, the students can then enter the solutions and request instant feedback from the program. Mechanix will respond and let the student know if the problem is correct or not. Evaluation Approach Combination of quantitative and qualitative In-class experimental group within an authentic classroom (freshman) with three conditions: Mechanix, WinTruss & Control. Improvement assessed by homework scores, exams, quizzes, and pre- & post- Statics Concept Inventories Focus groups to gather qualitative data: student’s opinions and suggestions for improvement of the software Benefits of Mechanix as a Learning Tool It teaches truss and free body diagram concepts Automatically grades truss design problems Offers instant feedback like a one-on-one tutor Mimics traditional pencil and paper through the use of sketch recognition software Outcomes Mechanix provide fast and automatic feedback reducing the instructor time required. The exam results show Mechanix is just as good as the WinTruss program or traditional paper and pencil. The homework results show that students who use Mechanix score significantly higher than those who don’t Mechanix is a learning tool equal to or better than traditional pencil and paper From the Focus Group discussions, the Mechanix student said that they found Mechanix fun and helpful while learning truss and free body diagram concepts. When the WinTruss students were allowed to use Mechanix, they preferred the Mechanix interface and that Mechanix was “better for teaching purposes” Summary Mechanix has great potential as a tool to increase learning in truss and free body diagram concepts Mechanix has the ability to increase instructor efficiency by providing one-on-one feedback while students are solving problems Other Grants Supporting Mechanix Development NSF EEC 1129525, NSF EEC 1129341 This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No 0942400. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation Mechanix Interface (Figure 3) A.Problem Statement B.Checklist (to scaffold & give feedback) C.Recognized Sketch D.Coordinate Axis E.Solution F.Instant Feedback Figure 3: A correct solution is drawn and entered, indicated by the complete checklist and instant feedback. Figure 2: The creative design mode where students can create their own trusses to satisfy certain design requirements Figure 1: A student uses the pen and tablet interface for Mechanix Need A learning tool is needed that can help students learn engineering concepts while gaining academic independence The novelty of the system is that it will be used to advance learning and assessment techniques while providing a natural mode of interaction during knowledge transfer between the student and instructor. Figure 6: No significant differences in the scores comparing the Mechanix, WinTruss and Control conditions Figure 7: The students in the Mechanix condition scored about the same as the students in the other conditions All traditional (HWs 1 & 2) A B C D E F