Module 0 - Introductions

There are two files in this module. One is an introduction and overview of the courseware. The second is an Introduction to MATLAB.

The first-year engineering program at Hofstra University consists of a computer programming for engineers’ course, and a two-semester sequence of engineering design. Before the fall of 2018, the computer programming for engineers’ course covered algorithms, logic, flowcharting and programming of solutions to engineering problems through the MATLAB® integrated development environment (IDE) [1]. A redesign of the course began in the Fall of 2018 [2] to add Excel and math instruction. Existing hands-on activities were repurposed [3] to serve as and form the foundation of this new, activity centric model learning approach. This is different from incorporating lab experiments as had been done previously [4] in that the activities are designed to be gentler and friendlier for first-year students as well as more easily portable. As students engage in the activity to collect data, they develop collaboration and cooperation skills with their classmates; building a learning support group to help them on their academic journey. The data from the activity is then used to build Excel, math, and MATLAB® skills through more, active learning assignments completed in class. The pedagogy has been created for both first-year engineering students at the university and high school juniors and seniors engaged in the engineering department’s Pathways to Engineering outreach program at four local high schools.

This courseware has been developed by Lynn Albers, PhD at Hofstra University in collaboration with MathWorks.