Category: edci335

For this post I decided to use the following video which outlines whether you should choose steel or timber to frame your home with:

In summary, this video breifly outlines some advantages and disadvantages to using timber and steel frames.

1. This video does not force interaction in any way, however, if I were to include it in my course, I would ask the learner to describe, in their own words, some advantages and disadvantages to using both steel and timber for framing a home.
2. I would expect the learner to respond to the video by taking notes on the advantages and disadvantages of both materials.
3. I would suggest that the learner does what i’ve noted above, and also give a critical opinion of their own of why they think steel is better than timber or visa versa.
4. To give feedback, I would first construct a quiz that tests their knowledge on the material from the video, and than the quiz would automatically give a response on whether they were correct or not.

6. This video could include some more interactive activity like wording suh as “what do you think about these advantages, can you think of any more?” Or “how would you decide on when to use steel or timber?”

Universal design in engineering offers a holistic approach to designing products and environments that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. While universal design has been primarily associated with physical spaces, its principles can also be applied to educational settings. This blog post explores how an example of universal design in engineering can inspire the design of inclusive learning environments.

One prime example of universal design in engineering is the development of adjustable height desks. Originally designed to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments, these desks have now gained popularity due to their ability to cater to diverse user needs and preferences. The adjustable height feature allows users to raise or lower the desk surface to a comfortable position, enabling them to work or study in a seated or standing position.

Inspiration for Designing Inclusive Learning Environments: The concept of adjustable height desks can serve as inspiration for the design of inclusive learning environments. Here are a few ways in which this example can be applied:

1. Catering to diverse learning styles: Every student has unique learning preferences. Some may find it more comfortable to sit, while others may benefit from a standing position. By incorporating adjustable height desks in classrooms, students can have the flexibility to choose the position that enhances their learning experience. This adaptability promotes engagement, concentration, and overall well-being.
2. Supporting students with physical disabilities: Adjustable height desks can greatly benefit students with physical disabilities. These desks eliminate the need for separate accommodations, ensuring that students with mobility impairments can easily adjust the desk height to their specific needs. It empowers them to participate fully in classroom activities and interact with their peers on an equal footing.
3. Promoting healthy habits: Prolonged sitting can have detrimental effects on students’ health, leading to issues like back pain and reduced circulation. By incorporating adjustable height desks, students can alternate between sitting and standing, promoting movement and reducing the negative impacts of prolonged sedentary behavior. This fosters healthier habits and enhances overall well-being.
4. Inclusive design for collaboration: Learning often involves group work and collaborative projects. Adjustable height desks can facilitate inclusive collaboration by ensuring that all students can work comfortably together. Regardless of their height or physical abilities, students can adjust their desks to a suitable level, enabling them to actively engage and contribute in a collaborative learning environment.

In conclusion, universal design in engineering offers valuable inspiration for creating inclusive learning environments. The example of adjustable height desks highlights the importance of flexibility, customization, and accessibility in design. By incorporating these principles into the design of educational settings, such as classrooms and learning spaces, we can create environments that accommodate diverse learning styles, support students with disabilities, promote healthy habits, and foster inclusive collaboration. Through the application of universal design principles, we can create learning environments that empower every student to thrive and reach their full potential.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is an educational approach that focuses on learning through first hand experience. This approach to learning allows learners to gain knowledge, skills, and gain insights by engaging in real-life experiences. People who are best described as experiential learners are those who learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process and can directly apply what they have learned to real situations. As opposed to relying on traditional classrooms and textbooks, experiential learning encourages learners to engage in hands-on activates, experiments, simulations, etc.

Our learning topic is “Building Construction Materials: Project Material Selection.” As Civil Engineers and future building designers, it is important for us to choose appropriate materials for the given application. Personally, I would argue that experiential learning is almost always the best way to learn. For example, if I was to do an internship with a design company and continually practice choosing the right materials for the job, then I would have a great understanding of what materials are good for specific applications. However, it regards to a course teaching students what materials are best for certain applications, it would not be feasible to always work on real world applications. For example, the students would first have to learn what each material is made from and why they are appropriate for certain climates or building applications. These fundamental concepts of the materials themselves and their properties would be best taught in a different learning style at first, and then experiential learning would come into play later, once the fundamentals are understood.

In conclusion, experiential learning is based on hands on experience and physical engagement in what’s being taught. In my opinion, experiential learning works best when it is combined with another type of learning, like direct instruction first, and then once that teaching material is delivered through direct instruction, the students can practice experiential learning by applying what they have learned in real life situations or experiments. Our learning topic will focus more on direct instruction as opposed to experiential learning.