Work in Progress: Assessment of Automation Labs to Facilitate Continuous Improvement

Abstract With the implementation of new equipment and laboratory activities in an automation course, it is desired to assess the effectiveness of the equipment and labs so that improvements may be made. This paper covers the assessment methods used and the results to date. New Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) trainers have been introduced in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Systems Design. The labs for this course have either been modified or new ones created to work with the new equipment. To objectively assess the effectiveness of the equipment and laboratory activities, pre- and post-lab surveys are administered to the students. Students are surveyed about their understanding of the various objectives of the labs. The survey results, along with direct assessment data in the form of lab scores, are used to identify areas of improvement for the equipment and the labs.