Online Hands-on Embedded System Project in Virtual Classroom

Across the world, COVID-19 has shifted the education model by forcing classroom in-person classes to transition into the distance and online learning mode. Engineering and technology programs having a curriculum with a strong emphasis on hands-on labs are facing challenges. The education community around the world is looking for options to adopt the online approach to deliver hands-on courses via Zoom, Blackboard, or video conferencing services, using simulators and other digital tools. To measure the effectiveness of the new educational model, the assessment must be redesigned. We must examine student mastery of the course learning outcomes as measured by several instruments, including labs and hands-on projects. In this paper, we present the design of a hands-on project lab for embedded systems and its corresponding assessment instruments. The embedded system project lab includes topics such as circuit analysis, analog, and digital electronics, computer programing skills, basic instrumentation, and computers to aid in the characterization and troubleshooting. As part of the requirements in this hands-on project lab, students must connect the electronic components and devices correctly on the breadboard without the instructor's in-person supervision. Students need to use instrumentation, for example, a multimeter, an oscilloscope, and a function generator in the project lab. The paper also presents a practical approach using the Tinkercad simulator for hands-on labs and teaching students in a virtual classroom. The assessment model includes a rubric and a content validity form with performance indicators to assess ABET Student Outcomes (a) and (b) and the program-specific criteria for Electromechanical Engineering Technology.