Keywords: robotics, hands-on, projectbased
Final Challenge Approach to
Robotics Education
Angela A. Sodemann
Arizona State University
Why?
• The Problem
– Engineering education often requires students to
learn many theoretical concepts for which the
students do not understand the application
– Extrinsic motivation is often not sufficient for
long-term success; need to develop intrinsic
motivation to learn
• Objectives
– Students will be able to apply theoretical concepts
to practical problems
– Students will be intrinsically motivated to learn
engineering theory
When?
• Implemented initially in Fall 2013 in a single
class (Robotic Systems I)
• Introduced to Robotic Systems II the following
semester
• Expanded and refined each semester since, in
both classes
Where?
• Implemented in a 2-semester series of
robotics courses at Arizona State University’s
Polytechnic School
– Polytechnic School has a strong focus on hands-on
and project-based curriculum
– Introduced as an alternative and supporting
learning mechanism for open-ended design
projects being done by students simultaneously in
other courses
What?
• Series of theory lecture videos paired with online
quizzes completed by students outside of class
• Each theoretical lecture video paired with a hands-on
activity applying the theory, completed in class
• Each hands-on activity is a component of the Final
Challenge: a comprehensive project each team of
students must complete during the final two weeks of
class
– All students complete the same Final Challenge project,
with provided materials
• Highly positive response from students; former
students seen applying class concepts in their own
projects
Prognosis?
• Evaluation Measures
– Each year, students complete surveys asking about their
confidence in their ability to apply concepts
– When the Final Challenge is complete, students are interviewed
about their experiences
• Scaling
– Course enrollment has been increasing exponentially; hands-on
activities converted from document form to video form to
increase student success rate and allow class management help
from Teaching Assistants
• Challenges and Requests for Advice
– Students go through hands-on activities at very different rates;
how to challenge the fastest students without losing the
slowest?
– For hands-on labs and Final Challenge: teams or individuals?
– How to effectively assess individual knowledge in hands-on
learning experiences?