Engineering Commons^™

Differentially Private Online Bayesian Estimation With Adaptive Truncation, Sinan Yildirim

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

In this paper, a novel online and adaptive truncation method is proposed for differentially private Bayesian online estimation of a static parameter regarding a population. A local differential privacy setting is assumed where sensitive information from individuals is collected on an individual level and sequentially. The inferential aim is to estimate, on the fly, a static parameter regarding the population to which those individuals belong. We propose sequential Monte Carlo to perform online Bayesian estimation. When individuals provide sensitive information in response to a query, it is necessary to corrupt it with privacy-preserving noise to ensure the privacy of those …

Strategies For Engagement Of Non-Traditional Students In Engineering-Related Courses, Kimberly T. Luthi Dr., David Harvie, Keith Wilson, Monica Surrency

Publications

Project Goals

Overview

• Goal #1: Increase students' commitment to engineering pathways.
• Goal #2: Increase academic performance and persistence in engineering.
• Goal #3: Increase persistence of Veterans in engineering pathways.

Research Questions

• How does students' participation in peer-led team learning activities in online engineering courses correlate to their a) commitment to engineering, b) engineering identity, and c) self-efficacy.
• How do students in peer-led team learning activities compare to students in non-PLTL groups in terms of a) academic performance and b) persistence in engineering pathways?

How A Higher Education Aviation Faculty Perceived The Challenges Of An Online Emergency Transition During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identifies Recommendations For Future Emergency Online Transitions, Victor Miguel Fraticelli Rivera

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study is to discover the perceived challenges and identify future recommendations for emergency online learning transition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic at a major aeronautical higher education institution in the southeast region of the United States. For this study, emergency online learning transition is defined as the period in which higher education faculty members were required to pivot to an online methodology in response to a global pandemic in the spring and fall academic semesters of 2020. The theories guiding this study are the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by Icek Ajzen and …

Teaching Analytics Online: A Self-Study Of Professional Practice, Andrew J. Collins, Brandon Butler, James F. Leathrum Jr., Christopher J. Lynch

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

As the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruption to education enterprises throughout the world, the main response by educational institutions was to move to online learning environments. The purpose of this study was to understand better how instructors could improve online learning for a professional-level week-long short course in a highly technical area (data analytics), which had, pre-COVID, been a hands-on computer, laboratory-based learning experience. The authors used self-study of professional practice to elicit and understand the major issues and concerns of the transition to an online learning environment. Under the guidance of a colleague in teacher education, three course instructors …

Student Engagement In An Online Engineering Afterschool Program During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Virginia Snodgrass Rangel, Jerrod A. Henderson, Chelsea Martinez, Rick Greer

Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER)

The COVID-19 pandemic forced much of schooling online and limited students’ access to informal learning opportunities such as afterschool programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate how fourth- and fifth-grade students engaged in an online engineering program and what factors influenced their engagement. We drew on a four-dimensional model of student engagement to describe how students engaged in the afterschool engineering program and to identify the factors that enhanced or inhibited engagement. Using a case study design, we drew on interviews with six program mentors and ten students and observation data from weekly Zoom sessions throughout the 2020–2021 …

Zoom Or Doom? The Cm Curriculum At A Glance During Covid, Alissa Rogers

Construction Management

Over the course of nearly three years, the Covid-19 pandemic changed the ways in which education is taught across the globe. Specifically looking towards the Construction Management (CM) department at California State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and its curriculum, this paper surveys and analyzes the shifts made to the major-based course load. The basis of this study is the research of the potential modification of the CM curriculum classes in order to accommodate past covid restrictions. Studies have shown that individuals have suffered under the new online-based learning standard. In an age of altering restrictions, the study conducted …

Flipping The Digital Switch: Affective Responses Of Stem Undergraduates To Emergency Remote Teaching During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Angela Minichiello, Oenardi Lawanto, Wade Goodridge, Assad Iqbal, Muhammad Asghar

Engineering Education Student Research

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) catalyzed a global shift to distance education known as an emergency transition to remote teaching (ERT). While prior research investigates students' experiences during traditional online learning, fewer studies examine students' affective responses (i.e., feelings, emotions) to those experiences, particularly when remote learning is unexpected and unplanned. To understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates responded affectively to the COVID-19 ERT, researchers generated open-ended survey data with 1340 undergraduates (253 female) in 27 courses across seven U.S. institutions. Using an inductive qualitative approach, researchers developed a three-tier thematic model to synthesize the self-reported reasons …

Hydrolearn: Improving Students’ Conceptual Understanding And Technical Skills In A Civil Engineering Senior Design Course, Melissa Ann Gallagher, Jenny Byrd, Emad Habib, David G. Tarboton, Clinton S. Wilson

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Engineering graduates need a deep understanding of key concepts in addition to technical skills to be successful in the workforce. However, traditional methods of instruction (e.g., lecture) do not foster deep conceptual understanding and make it challenging for students to learn the technical skills, (e.g., professional modeling software), that they need to know. This study builds on prior work to assess engineering students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge. The results provide an insight into how the use of authentic online learning modules influence engineering students’ conceptual knowledge and procedural skills. We designed online active learning modules to support and deepen undergraduate …

Unobtrusive Assessment Of Student Engagement Levels In Online Classroom Environment Using Emotion Analysis, Sasirekha Anbusegaran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Measuring student engagement has emerged as a significant factor in the process of learning and a good indicator of the knowledge retention capacity of the student. As synchronous online classes have become more prevalent in recent years, gauging a student's attention level is more critical in validating the progress of every student in an online classroom environment. This paper details the study on profiling the student attentiveness to different gradients of engagement level using multiple machine learning models. Results from the high accuracy model and the confidence score obtained from the cloud-based computer vision platform - Amazon Rekognition were then …

Pedagogy Of The Pandemic: A Case Study Of Emergency Remote Education In A Private Higher Education Institution In Egypt, Rania M Rafik Khalil, Shadia Fahim, Wadouda Badran, Hadia Fakhreldin, Maguid Hassan, Hani Ghali, Attia Attia, Sarah Khalil, Hassan Abdelhamid, Yasmine Abdel Moneim, Omar H. Karam

English Language and Literature

COVID19 caught almost every higher education institution off guard. The pandemic interrupted the teaching and learning process and required immediate implementation of emergency remote learning strategies. Teaching pedagogy turned to new ways of thinking about learning. Consequently, both academic staff and students had to adapt without warning to the challenges of teaching with advanced technology from home which was taking the world by storm. Overcoming this challenge in Egypt has been much easier for private universities in comparison to state universities because of the availability of facilities, funding, smaller cohorts and validation by partner western universities. This paper shares reflections …

Hyperspectral Image Anomaly Detection Based On Background Reconstruction, Xiaorui Song, Zou Ling, Lingda Wu, Wanpeng Xu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In the anomaly detection of hyperspectral images (HSIs), aiming at the difficulty of distinguishing the abnormal target from the background and the low accuracy of background prediction, a new HSI anomaly detection algorithm based on background sparse reconstruction is proposed. An online dictionary learning method is used to estimate the background spectral dictionary. The estimated background image is sparse reconstructed by the learning dictionary. The estimated background image is subtracted from the origin image to get the residual image. The anomaly detection is achieved by using the local RX detector to traverse the residual image. The effectiveness of the …

An Initial Exploration Of The Perspectives And Experiences Of Diverse Learners' Acceptance Of Online Educational Engineering Games As Learning Tools In The Classroom, Kimberly Cook-Chennault, Idalis Villanueva

Engineering Education Faculty Publications

This Work-In-Progress falls within the research category of study and, focuses on the experiences and perceptions of first- and second year engineering students when using an online engineering game that was designed to enhance understanding of statics concepts. Technology and online games are increasingly being used in engineering education to help students gain competencies in technical domains in the engineering field. Less is known about the way that these online games are designed and incorporated into the classroom environment and how these factors can ignite inequitable perspectives and experiences among engineering students. Also, little if any work that combines the …

Online Learning Of The Spatial-Temporal Channel Variation In Underwater Acoustic Communication Networks, Wensheng Sun

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Influenced by environmental conditions, underwater acoustic (UWA) communication channels exhibit spatial and temporal variations, posing significant challenges for UWA networking and applications. This dissertation develops statistical signal processing approaches to model and predict variations of the channel and relevant environmental factors. Firstly, extensive field experiments are conducted in the Great Lakes region. Three types of the freshwater river/lake acoustic channels are characterized in the aspects of statistical channel variations and sound propagation loss, including stationary, mobile and under-ice acoustic channels. Statistical data analysis shows that relative to oceanic channels, freshwater river/lake channels have larger temporal coherence, higher correlation among densely …

Decentralized Optimal Control With Application In Power System, Boyu Wang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

An output-feedback decentralized optimal controller is proposed for power systems with renewable energy penetration. Renewable energy source is modeled similar to the classical generator model and is equipped with the unified power flow controller (UPFC). The transient performance of power system is considered and stability of the dynamical states are investigated. An offline decentralized optimal controller is designed that utilizes only the local states. The network comprises conventional synchronous generators as well as renewable sources with inverter equipped with UPFC. Subsequently, the optimal decentralized controller is compared to the initial stabilizing controller used to obtain the optimal controller. An online …

Online Synthesis Incremental Data Streams Classification Algorithm, Sanmin Liu, Yuxia Liu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Online learning is the effective way to solve the sample's non-recurrence in data streams classification, and how to deal with the problem of sample deficiency is the critical point for improving online learning efficiency. According to the mean square error decomposition theory of the model's parameter estimation and the idea of cluster, the new samples are constructed by linear synthesis with the class center and the sample, which can improve the distribution information of sample and reduce the lower bound of parameter value. The online incremental learning is executed and the class center point is continuously updated. Through theory …

Integrated E-Learning Modules For Developing An Entrepreneurial Mindset: Direct Assessment Of Student Learning, Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, Ronald S. Harichandran, Nadiye O. Erdil, Jean Nocito-Gobel, Cheryl Q. Li

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

In an effort to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in all our engineering and computer science students, the University of New Haven is embedding entrepreneurial concepts throughout the 4-year curricula in their majors. This is done with the use of several short e-learning modules developed by content experts. The modules are integrated into engineering and computer science courses by faculty who reinforce concepts through a related activity, project, or assignment. The e-learning modules, available online through course management systems, are self-paced and targeted at conceptual learning of 18 specific entrepreneurial topics. Using a flipped-classroom instructional model, students complete the modules outside …

The Design And Implementation Outcome Of An Online Undergraduate Thermodynamics Class, Dazhi Yang, Krishna Pakala

Educational Technology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Online learning is not common for most undergraduate core engineering courses. However, the growing need for online engineering courses necessitates the design and delivery of online courses that can allow for the flexibility and convenience the distance learning experiences can offer. Thermodynamics is among the most difficult engineering subjects to teach, especially online, where instructors are unable to demonstrate the overwhelming number of equations and applications as they would in face-to-face lectures. This paper describes the design and development of an online, undergraduate thermodynamics class. It reports the implementation outcome of student final course grade and the students’ learning experience …

Ensemble Learning For Data Stream Analysis: A Survey, Bartosz Krawczyk, Leandro L. Minku, João Gama, Jerzy Stefanowski, Michał Wozniak

Computer Science Publications

In many applications of information systems learning algorithms have to act in dynamic environments where data are collected in the form of transient data streams. Compared to static data mining, processing streams imposes new computational requirements for algorithms to incrementally process incoming examples while using limited memory and time. Furthermore, due to the non-stationary characteristics of streaming data, prediction models are often also required to adapt to concept drifts. Out of several new proposed stream algorithms, ensembles play an important role, in particular for non-stationary environments. This paper surveys research on ensembles for data stream classification as well as regression …

An Online Approach For Feature Selection For Classification In Big Data, Nasrin Banu Nazar, Radha Senthilkumar

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Feature selection (FS), also known as attribute selection, is a process of selection of a subset of relevant features used in model construction. This process or method improves the classification accuracy by removing irrelevant and noisy features. FS is implemented using either batch learning or online learning. Currently, the FS methods are executed in batch learning. Nevertheless, these techniques take longer execution time and require larger storage space to process the entire dataset. Due to the lack of scalability, the batch learning process cannot be used for large data. In the present study, a scalable efficient Online Feature Selection (OFS) …

Coyotelab - Linux Containers For Educational Use, Michael D. Korcha

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

CoyoteLab is an exploration in the use of Linux container technology as a means to simplify the way students in computing fields access and complete laboratory work in their educational career. This project provides two main benefits: creating a simple way for students to log in and access their coursework without anything more than their web browser, and providing course instructors a way to verify that assigned work is completed successfully. Thanks to advances in container technology and the advent of WebSockets, this becomes a middle layer between a WebSocket opened up on the client’s browser and the SSH daemon …

Design Of A Reading Recommendation Method Based On User Preference For Online Learning, Yanling Li,, S. C. Ng,, Felermino M. D. A. Ali

Innovative Research Publications IRP India

A design of reading recommendation method based on user preference for online learning namely, RMUP is proposed. The aim of this study is to design an online learning recommendation system to support automatic information extract, dynamic user preference analysis and conduct an accurate recommendation of reading materials to relevant users.

Case Study Of Using A Social Annotation Tool To Support Collaboratively Learning, Fei Gao

Fei Gao

The purpose of the study was to understand student interaction and learning supported by a collaboratively social annotation tool — Diigo. The researcher examined through a case study how students participated and interacted when learning an online text with the social annotation tool — Diigo, and how they perceived their experience. The findings suggested that students participated actively in the collaborative learning activity and were engaged in a variety of behaviors including self-reflection, elaboration, internalization, and showing support. Although students generally had a moderately positive attitude toward using the social annotation tool for collaborative learning, a few problems were identified. …

New Model Of Productive Online Discussion And Its Implications For Research And Instruction, Fei Gao, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Yanling Sun

Fei Gao

We develop a new model of productive online discussion based on a brief review of research literature on online discussion. As compared to previous discussion models, the new model provides a more systematic and comprehensive framework to understand how learning occurs through online discussion. Based on the new model, we propose several directions for research on improving the quality of online discussion and learning.

Effects Of Learner-Instructor Relationship Building Strategies In Online Video Lessons, Yanghee Kim, Jeffrey Thyne

Yanghee Kim

Although research has demonstrated that an increased rapport between instructors and learners can positively relate with increased learning gains, perhaps mediated by the positive attitudes toward the course and self-efficacy beliefs in the coursework, little has been done to test what instructional strategies might increase this rapport in online video-based instruction. This study compared online video-based instruction that made use of relationship-building strategies with online video-based instruction that did not use those strategies. The two instructions were identical in every other way. The results showed that the attitudes of the college students were positively affected by the relationship building strategies …

A Bayesian Beta Kernel Model For Binary Classification And Online Learning Problems, Cameron A. Mackenzie, Theodore B. Trafalis, Kash Barker

Cameron A. MacKenzie

Recent advances in data mining have integrated kernel functions with Bayesian probabilistic analysis of Gaussian distributions. These machine-learning approaches can incorporate prior information with new data to calculate probabilistic rather than deterministic values for unknown parameters. This article extensively analyzes a specific Bayesian kernel model that uses a kernel function to calculate a posterior beta distribution that is conjugate to the prior beta distribution. Numerical testing of the beta kernel model on several benchmark datasets reveals that this model's accuracy is comparable with those of the support vector machine (SVM), relevance vector machine, naive Bayes, and logistic regression, and the …

University Professors’ Perceptions About The Impact Of Integrating Google Applications On Students’ Communication And Collaboration Skills, Jacqueline L. Cahill

Journal of Research Initiatives

A qualitative research study was conducted and data were collected by interviewing university professors on their perceptions about the impact of integrating Google Apps, as a means of classroom instructional delivery, on students’ communication and collaboration skills. The participants consisted of eight university professors from a major university, who integrate, or had previously integrated at least two Google Apps Education Edition collaborative tools into their instructional strategies. The result of this study has the potential to benefit universities that are debating on whether utilizing teaching collaborative technology skills, as an instruction tool, would engage students and enhance their communication skills. …

Case Study Of Using A Social Annotation Tool To Support Collaboratively Learning, Fei Gao

Visual Communications and Technology Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study was to understand student interaction and learning supported by a collaboratively social annotation tool — Diigo. The researcher examined through a case study how students participated and interacted when learning an online text with the social annotation tool — Diigo, and how they perceived their experience. The findings suggested that students participated actively in the collaborative learning activity and were engaged in a variety of behaviors including self-reflection, elaboration, internalization, and showing support. Although students generally had a moderately positive attitude toward using the social annotation tool for collaborative learning, a few problems were identified. …

Web-Based Virtual Learning For Digital Manufacturing Fundamentals For Automotive Workforce Training, Vukica Jovanovic, Nathan W. Hartman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Automotive manufacturers are experiencing difficulties in hiring highly qualified workers with ability to adopt new technologies fast. This kind of ongoing need for training is slowing innovation. This problem is related to the difficulty in obtaining consistent training resources and services especially with lack of training for advanced manufacturing practices for specialised industry sectors. More and more occupations require degrees higher than secondary education because of the global need for so called ‘knowledge workers’. An example of an interactive learning programme, developed with the support of narrated presentation technology, podcasts and online access has been shown in this paper. Sixty …

New Model Of Productive Online Discussion And Its Implications For Research And Instruction, Fei Gao, Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Yanling Sun

Visual Communications and Technology Education Faculty Publications

We develop a new model of productive online discussion based on a brief review of research literature on online discussion. As compared to previous discussion models, the new model provides a more systematic and comprehensive framework to understand how learning occurs through online discussion. Based on the new model, we propose several directions for research on improving the quality of online discussion and learning.

Online Learning Resource For Smooth Transition From High School To Engineering Education, Riadh W. Y. Habash, Christine Suurtaam, Mustapha C. E. Yagoub, Karima Kara, Ghanim Ibrahim

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Although high school mathematics curriculum documents in Ontario, Canada have, for the past two decades, made calls for classroom practices involving both modeling and applications, students still experience difficulties in moving into a university engineering program. This paper discusses a new initiative in online learning and the teaching of mathematical modeling and applications in engineering education at the University of Ottawa, Canada. In particular, we explore how modeling and Internet technologies can enhance progress in engineering education.