Collaborative Research: Developing a Student Learning Strategy to Bridge Virtual Learning and Hands-on Activity in Organic Solar Energy Education

合作机构：老道明大学（ODU）诺福克州立大学（NSU）项目描述对具有太阳能背景的工程师有很大的需求，他们具有解决问题的能力，能够成功地解决与实施新太阳能技术相关的挑战。该项目通过开发和提供虚拟学习材料和实践活动的混合，提高学生探索与太阳能技术相关的基本原理的能力，试图改变目前提供的有机物理和光学相关课程的方式。该项目通过将主题与太阳能相关的、引人注目的挑战联系起来，丰富了电气和计算机工程顶点项目的经验，同时向学生介绍了潜在的系统思维原则。该项目收集数据，通过分析实验报告和海报展示来评估学生的推理、调查和解决问题的能力。对学生学习成果的评价是考察学生将理论知识应用于实际情况的能力。特别是，该项目正在研究如何使用虚拟学习资源来提高学生在动手活动中进行分析、进行测试、解释结果和解决问题的能力。该项目对太阳能教育的关注有助于解决全球能源安全的优先问题，以及高素质科学家和工程师的严重短缺，从而对国家及其相关经济产生积极影响。多所大学的合作伙伴关系带来了电气工程多个学科的专业知识，同时也影响了低水平和高水平的本科课程。与该项目相关的机构正在协调和实施各种工程学生群体和地点的努力，增加广泛曝光和积极影响的潜力。该项目正在创建一个可扩展的模型，用于开发工程课程材料，这些材料可以被广泛的大学使用，而不受地理位置的限制。ODU和NSU的合作外展计划还将通过提供：“纳米日”纳米技术教育节来扩大STEM社区；为学生、教师及公众提供适应力强的活动；关注少数族裔和女性学生的暑期研究项目；以及在各种各样的小学里展示太阳能技术。

DUE - 1244707, 1244079 COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS: Old Dominion University (ODU)Norfolk State University (NSU)PROJECT DESCRIPTION There is a significant demand for engineers with a solar energy background that possess the problem-solving skills to successfully tackle the challenges associated with implementing new solar technologies. This project is enhancing students' ability to explore the underlying principles associated with solar technology by developing and providing a mixture of virtual learning materials and hands-on activities, in an attempt to transform the ways that organic physics and optics related courses are currently being offered. The project is enriching electrical and computer engineering capstone project experiences by connecting topics to relevant, compelling challenges in solar energy, while simultaneously introducing students to underlying systems-thinking principles.The project is collecting data to assess the students' reasoning, investigative, and problem-solving skills by analyzing lab reports and poster presentations. The evaluation of student learning outcomes is studying the students' ability to apply their theoretical understanding in real situations. In particular, the project is examining how the use of virtual learning resources can improve a student's ability to perform analysis, conduct testing, interpret results, and solve problems in their hands-on activities.BROADER SIGNIFICANCE The project's focus on solar energy education is helping address the global priority on energy security and the critical shortage of highly qualified scientists and engineers to positively impact the nation and its related economy. The multi-university partnership brings expertise in multiple disciplines of electrical engineering, while also impacting both lower and upper undergraduate level courses. The institutions associated with the project are coordinating and implementing the effort across a diverse set of engineering student populations and locations, increasing the potential for broad exposure and positive impact. The project is creating a scalable model for developing engineering course material that can be adapted for use by a wide range of universities, which are not limited by geography. The collaborative outreach programs of ODU and NSU will also broaden STEM communities by providing: a "NanoDays" nanotechnology educational festival; readily adaptable activities for students, teachers, and the general public; summer research programs that focus on underrepresented minority and female students; and demonstrations of solar technologies in a wide variety of elementary schools.