1. Final Challenge Approach to Robotics Education Angela A. Sodemann Arizona State University Keywords: robotics, hands-on, project- based

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?