Publication Date

2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Committee Members

Mary Fendley (Committee Member), Subhashini Ganapathy (Advisor), Wayne Grant (Committee Member), Nathan Klingbeil (Committee Member), Ling Rothrock (Committee Member), Xinhui Zhang (Committee Member)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Abstract

Employing effective and modern educational systems that support augmented learning methods such as mobile-based learning, may offer a promising solution to lowering dropout rates and to improving learning interests in engineering education. Mobile-based learning is capturing tremendous attention due to the affordances mobile devices can offer. This project outlines efforts to integrate mobile-based educational technology into the classroom. Leveraging the affordances, we designed a mobile augmented education tool for basic math and physics concepts that allows access to information and additional learning content within the context of classroom learning. Results from the study indicate that there is significant improvement in overall performance in mathematics and physics for all students. Based on the form-factor analysis, we found that the students highly preferred 7-inch tablet devices for the overall presentation of the content and portability. This research aims to present the framework and design guidelines for mobile-based augmented learning tools intended to enhance engineering education. The design guidelines presented in this research can universally be applied for any classroom assisting mobile augmented education tool. Structural equation model analysis of the questionnaire based data collected from the students also suggests that the designed model predicts the behavioral intention of the test participants accurately. It also proves the validity and reliability of the collected data. Model development process forms a systematic metric to understand the performance of mobile augmented education tools and develops a framework to assess the students’ overall attitude towards it. According to the horizon report, as education practices move from formal to informal and collaborative, mobile devices are playing a major role in the transition process. This research is an attempt to provide students with an ability to leverage their day to day devices to assist them with learning content for better knowledge acquisition.

Page Count

300

Department or Program

Ph.D. in Engineering

Year Degree Awarded

2017


Included in

Engineering Commons

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