Students’ feedback into enriching learning experiences for design of smart devices and applications

Abstract

Innovative methods and technologies are required to improve students’ learning experience in engineering laboratories. By considering the paradigm of ubiquitous computing to merge technology into everyday objects, it is possible to create intelligent tutoring systems in laboratories to achieve this goal. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of students’ activities in an electronic engineering laboratory and maps them to the common types of errors they make in this setting. Some of these activities and errors causes hindrance for students which impedes their learning. It is posited that by minimizing these factors, the cognitive load can be reduced, thereby improving the learning experience. We present design guidelines for embedding intelligence into applications and smart devices that can be used in laboratories to reduce cognitive loads and improve students’ learning experience. Data was collated using ethnographic methods involving observational studies, questionnaires, and semi-structures interviews.