Dr. Witmer teaches Engineering 10: Applied Engineering Computer Methods, which aims to help students learning the basics of programming using Python, and solving engineering problems from a variety of disciplines, and being monitor and control hardware using the Raspberry Pi and a robot kit.
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LUDI integration & Collaboration in Action [earlier design stage]
LUDI integration & Collaboration in Action [earlier design stage]
Dr. Witmer adopted a live, self-paced book(zyBooks) specifically designed for the different levels of students who range from don’t have many experiences to those already familiar with the basics of programming and mathematics. The book was created to promote deeper understanding and critical thinking for different students. This initiative was inspired by one of the UDL principles, which proposed offering ways to customize the difficulty of the curriculum. Initiating a pilot program for a wider range of learners and administrators, with options for personalization based on individual needs and preferences.
Additionally, Dr. Witmer implemented a new grading system based on UDL engagement principles in this syllabus to better reflect the different levels of previous programming experience and different learning speed preferences by students. He created a class having three learning groups, each with a customized learning path. Group 1 is for students with little or no programming experience. Group 2 is for students who have learned to program in a different language, typically Java. Group 3 is for students who already program in Python. Students can select their own group at the beginning of the semester and change groups at any time. They are graded for the entire semester based on the group’s learning path. It optimizes individual choice and autonomy, developing self-determination, priding in accomplishment, and increasing the degree to which students feel connected to their learning. Students are engaged in information and activities that are relevant and valuable to their interests and levels through authentic and meaningful activities. Moreover, students are able to communicate and collaborate effectively within a group and community of learners, which can greatly increase the opportunities for one-on-one support.
Lehigh UDI-Based Learning Groups Design
Lehigh UDI-Based Learning Groups Design
Because students come to this class with different levels of programming experience, the class will have three learning groups, each with a customized learning path. Group 1 is for students with little or no programming experience. Group 2 is for students who have learned to program in a different language, typically Java. Group 3 is for students who already program in Python.
You will select your group at the beginning of the semester. You may change groups at any time, but you will be graded for the entire semester based on just one group’s learning path, which may require additional makeup work at a penalty. Also note that while all other assignments can be submitted late, worksheets cannot, so a change to group 1 after the third week will result in some irrecoverable loss of points.
Requirements for each Group are as follows:
Grades:
The table below shows the percentage allocated to each required activity for each of the three learning groups.
Feedback from students
Feedback from students
Students complete the worksheets during the lecture, which helps them stay engaged and better internalize the material. They also are invited to fill out a survey at the end of each worksheet which has three questions: 1) What did you learn, 2) What questions do you have, and 3) What would you like to learn?
The students have given a lot of positive feedback for the worksheets, and Dr. Witmer gets a lot of feedback from the surveys which helps him track students' progress and give timely support for their questions. For example, Dr. Witmer sends out an email each week to answer some of the most common questions they get from the survey.
The students really appreciate the learning groups designed based on UDL principles and Dr. Witmer has received a lot of positive feedback about them.
Future with Lehigh UDI
Future with Lehigh UDI
An exciting development is the addition of a new faculty member, Eric Obeysekare. He will be working with Dr. Witmer on Engineering 10 and has already had some very good ideas. He is excited to have a new team member and looks forward to additional improvements with the UDL framework this fall.
He believes that these changes guided by UDL will make the course more challenging and engaging for our most advanced students, while also providing more support for those who are struggling. Dr. Witmer mentioned: “ Our work is never done, but we press on nonetheless!”
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