García-Zubía, Javier and Martínez, Ignacio Angulo
This paper is the editorial for the TAEE special issue of the RITA journal. This special issue is devoted to improve the teaching/learning process in electronics using different technologies and approaches.
Gil-Sánchez, Luis and Masot, Rafael and Alcañiz, Miguel
Teaching electronics to an aerospace engineer with a very limited number of credits has been a major challenge for us. This goal has been achieved through a teaching method based on real projects that are closely related to aerospace engineering. Throughout this paper, the process of teaching electronics through two subjects, one compulsory and one elective, is described. Subsequently, a description of the major projects that have been implemented in the last years is given. The academic results have been very satisfactory, and project development has proved a widely accepted method of teaching by students.
Aranguren, Gerardo and Ortiz, Javier and Gil-García, José Miguel
The process from the conception of a new device-or when a new need is detected-to putting a new electronic product on the market is shown in several places. The development stages for an electronic product can be diverse: design, manufacturing, test, and many hours of engineering. However, are the different development stages of a project or an electronic product included in the teaching programs of our universities? In this paper, several proposals regarding the development stages of a project and their relationship with the curriculum in some countries are analyzed.
Perales, Manuel A. and Barrero, Federico and Toral, Sergio Luis
Teaching electronics in an introductory course is usually implemented by means of theoretical classes typically focused on the basics of analog and digital electronics. However, this approach has been shown not to be very attractive for students, especially in degrees that are not specifically focused on electronics, with students coming from different profiles and not specifically interested in electronics. For these cases, a new course approach has been developed based on a top-down learning strategy and the implementation of a problem-based learning-based experience. This course has been held since 2011 with very good results, both in terms of academic achievements and the interest shown by the students. Results obtained are presented, highlighting the success obtained with this new methodology.
Cocota, José Alberto Naves and D’Angelo, Thiago and de Barros Monteiro, Paulo Marcos
Robotics teachers can explore the multidisciplinary formation of the engineering student. The use of an appropriate learning methodology enables the development of transversal skills during this educational process. In this paper, we discuss a new experience with project-based learning involving the design and development of a low-cost robot manipulator with six degrees of freedom, to motivate undergraduate students in the Robotic Elements Course of Automation and Control Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, of Escola de Minas at the Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. Students carried out activities for two years, from 2012 to 2014. The key learning objectives and the project implementation tools are detailed. Evaluation results and the decrease of the dropping out of automation and control engineering show that this project was effective for students’ engagement and motivation.
Tawfik, Mohamed and Monteso, Santiago and García-Loro, Félix and Losada, Pablo and Antonio-Barba, Juan and Ruiz, Elena and Sancristobal, Elio and Díaz, Gabriel and Peire, Juan and Castro, Manuel
This paper shows the development of two new experimental exercises that are at the top of the state-of-the-art platforms for setting up, wiring, and measuring electronic circuits online, virtual instrument systems in reality (VISIR), allowing: 1) non-isolated linear regulated dc/dc converter and 2) non-isolated switching-regulated dc/dc converter. Those experiments are part of a new setup in the VISIR oriented to master as well as experienced students and users that would like to increase their experience in industrial electronics and power components management. The development of the two experiments is explained along with the necessary configuration to the core-platform VISIR. This is preceded by a brief overview of VISIR, including its hardware and software components. Finally, the remote experimental results obtained are presented.
Martínez, Ignacio Angulo and García-Zubía, Javier and Martínez-Pieper, Gabriel
The use of didactic models in industrial engineering provides students with an enhanced experimental environment to design in accordance with industrial requirements. The high cost of industrial models promotes its deployment as a remote experiment. The system presented in this paper allows real experimentation through the Internet over an industrial model that accurately emulates a three-floor elevator.