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Although there is extensive literature documenting hands-on learning experiences in engineering classrooms, there is a lack of consensus regarding how student learning during these activities compares to learning during online video demonstrations. Further, little work has been done to directly compare student learning for similarly-designed hands-on learning experiences focused on different engineering subjects. As the use of hands-on activities in engineering continues to grow and expand to non-traditional virtual applications, understanding how to optimize student learning during these activities is critical. To address this, we collected conceptual assessment data from 763 students at 15 four-year institutions. The students completed activities with one of two highly visual low-cost desktop learning modules (LCDLMs), one focused on fluid mechanics and the other on heat transfer principles, using two different implementation formats: either hands-on or video demonstration. To examine the effect of implementation format and of the learning tool used, learning gains on conceptual assessments were compared for virtual and hands-on implementations of fluid mechanics and heat transfer LCDLMs. Results showed that learning gains were positive and similar for hands-on and video demonstrations for both modules assessed, suggesting both implementation formats support an impactful student learning experience. However, a significant difference was observed in effectiveness based on the type of LCDLM used. Score increases of 31.2% and 24% were recorded on our post-activity assessment for hands-on and virtual implementations of the fluid mechanics LCDLM compared to pre-activity assessment scores, respectively, while smaller 8.2% and 9.2% increases were observed for hands-on and virtual implementations of the heat transfer LCDLM. In this paper, we consider existing literature to ascertain the reasons for similar effectiveness of hands-on and video demonstrations and for the differing effectiveness of the fluid mechanics and heat transfer LCDLMs. We discuss the practical implications of our findings with respect to designing hands-on or video demonstration activities. 

Chemical engineers frequently contribute to the advancement of the medical field; however, such applications are often not covered in the undergraduate curriculum until third- or fourth-year electives. We propose implementing a hands-on learning tool in an elective third- and fourth-year course and core third-year separations class to help undergraduate students apply chemical engineering concepts to biomedical applications. The hands-on learning tool of interest is used to introduce students to blood separation principles through a microbead settling device. See-through columns are filled with fluid and microbeads at various ratios to model the effect of hematocrit, or red blood cell fraction, on cell settling velocities and separation efficiencies. We hypothesize that the use of a biomedical hands-on learning tool will result in motivational and conceptual gains in comparison to traditional lecture and have significant effects on underrepresented minority groups in the class. Pre- and posttests will be used to assess conceptual understanding of separations principles with respect to biomedical applications across hands-on and lecture groups. Additionally, motivational surveys will be used to gauge levels of interactivity between the two groups, relating to the ICAP hypothesis. We plan to conclude the paper submission and presentation with theoretical and practical implications of our findings from Spring 2022 implementations. 

Evaporative cooling, used in many industrial and residential applications, is a complex coupled heat and mass transfer process where fluid cooling occurs due to water vaporization and the conversion of sensible to latent heat. In this paper, the development, testing, and implementation of a small, highly visual, Low-Cost Desktop Learning Module (LCDLM) for demonstration of evaporative cooling phenomena in the undergraduate classroom will be presented. The newly developed cross-flow direct evaporative cooler module is constructed from inexpensive expanded aluminum packing media, an off-the-shelf, battery-powered computer fan, a simple water distribution system with a battery-powered pump, and clear acrylic housing. The LCDLM is operated in a non-steady-state recycle mode where a small volume of water is circulated and, depending on the water temperature, either heats or cools incoming air. Preliminary data for simple experiments that can be repeated in the classroom are presented showing the effect of varying the initial water temperature, water flow rate, and air velocity on the cooling rate and temperature profiles in the module. These variables can be easily controlled in the classroom so that students can quickly observe their effect on the performance of the evaporative cooler. Finally, we outline worksheet and conceptual assessment questions to accompany classroom activities and present conceptual assessment results from a spring 2022 pilot classroom implementation of the evaporative cooler LCDLM in a Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer course. Significant student learning gains were observed after implementation, suggesting a positive influence of the LCDLM on understanding. 

In this paper we report on the development and testing of hands-on desktop learning modules for transport courses in the Chemical and Mechanical Engineering disciplines. Two modules were developed to demonstrate fluid mechanics-related concepts, while two other modules were created for energy transport in heat exchangers. These devices are small, inexpensive, and made of see-through polycarbonate plastics using injection molding. These desktop learning modules are particularly suitable for use in undergraduate classrooms in conjunction with lectures to illustrate the working mechanism of devices seen in an industrial setting. Experiments are performed to understand the flow behavior and heat transfer performance on these modules. Our results show an excellent agreement for hydraulic head loss, volumetric flow rates, and overall heat transfer coefficients between experimental data and the corresponding theory, justifying the design and use of these devices in the classroom. Furthermore, we have measured student learning gains through pre-and posttests for each module based on in-class implementations at different universities. Assessment of student learning outcomes shows significant improvement in conceptual understanding when these modules are used in the undergraduate class. 

As this NSF LCDLM dissemination, development, and assessment project matures going into our fourth year of support we are moving forward in parallel on several fronts. We are developing and testing an injection-molded shell-and-tube heat exchanger for heat transfer concepts, an evaporative cooler to expand to another industrial-based heat exchange system, and a bead separation module to demonstrate principles of fluid mechanics in blood cell separations applications. We are also comparing experimental data for our miniaturized hydraulic loss and venturi meter LCDLMs to predicted values based on standard industrial correlations. As we develop these new learning components, we are assessing differential gains based on gender and ethnicity, as well as how students learn with existing LCDLMs in a virtual mode with online videos compared to an in-person hands-on mode of instruction. 

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic necessitated the transition of courses across the United States from in-person to a virtual format. Effective delivery of traditional, lecture-based courses in an online setting can be difficult and determining how to best implement hands-on pedagogies in a virtual format is even more challenging. Interactive pedagogies such as hands-on learning tools, however, have proven to significantly enhance student conceptual understanding and motivation; therefore, it is worthwhile to adapt these activities for virtual instruction. Our team previously developed a number of hands-on learning tools called Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LCDLMs) that demonstrate fluid mechanics and heat transfer concepts—traditionally utilized by student groups in a classroom setting, where they perform qualitative experiments and interactively discuss conceptual items. In this paper we explore our efforts to transition the LCDLM hands-on pedagogy to an entirely virtual format and focus on a subset effort with greater detail to be show at the ASEE conference as we analyze additional data. To aid the virtual implementations, we created a number of engaging videos under two major categories: (1) demonstrations of each LCDLM showing live data collection activities and (2) short, animated, narrated videos focused on specific concepts related to learning objectives. In this paper we present preliminary results from pre- and post- implementation conceptual assessments and motivational surveys completed for virtual implementations of LCDLMs, and compare them with a subset of results collected during hands-on implementations in previous years. Significant differences in conceptual understanding or motivation between hands-on and virtual implementations will be discussed. This paper will provide useful, data-driven guidance for those seeking to switch hands-on pedagogies to a virtual format.