Introduction
Internet has paved the way for developments in the electrical engineering course. It is a valuable tool used by professors, practitioners, and students in the field of electrical engineering. This study focuses on the research question: how did advancements in the internet led to the development of the electrical engineering course. This paper will start with a brief history of electrical engineering and internet, respectively. Next, the role of internet in electrical engineering education will be discussed. Attention will be given on the use of remote laboratory experiments and internet’s role in problem and project-based learning approach. Next to be discussed is the role of internet in continuous professional development of electrical engineers. Lastly, the role of internet in modern electrical engineering systems will be tackled as well.
Brief History of Electrical Engineering Education and the Internet
According to Berry et al. (2003), the Physics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offered the first electrical engineering course in 1882. Many schools followed the lead of MIT in offering electrical engineering. Clearly, there was a need for professional electrical engineers in the field. In 1903, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) and the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE) converge on what essential subjects are to be taught based on the needs of the industry. Developments in the curriculum soon followed leading to a common electrical engineering curriculum. There was still a gap between education and practice. Aside from the conventional focus on engineering sciences and theories, developments in technology and new business trends are emerging at a very fast pace. For instance, Berry et al. (2003) cited wireless communication as a catalyst to the bridging of the gap between education and industry. Currently, niche technologies in electrical engineering are on the rise such as micro-hydropower plants, wind power technologies, advanced solar panel systems. Specialization is the key to ride with these current trends.
The history of computers is intertwined with that of the internet. It was in the 1980’s when Tim Berners Lee developed a protocol linking hypertext documents in a system of computers (Leiner et al., 2009). Current technologies enjoyed by most people include instant messaging, electronic mail, social networking, e-commerce, e-learning and many more. The revolution of this internet technologies transcends to different fields of moderns society including electrical engineering.
Role of Internet in Electrical Engineering Education
Remote Laboratory Experiments through Internet
One role of internet in electrical engineering education is in web-based remote laboratory experiments. In the National University of Singapore, oscilloscope experiments are performed through internet (Chen et al., 1999). In this system module, LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) was used as programming language to link the oscilloscope and a laboratory personal computer (PC). Another remote PC with a web browser is connected to a web server which communicates with the laboratory PC. The advantage of this setup is that the experiment can be done by students with time and distance limitations. This means that distance learning can be implemented. Pre-experiment can also be done prior actual laboratory exercises. Furthermore, use of laboratory equipment can be optimized through sharing with other universities. Another related example is that of a system developed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The system is designed for characterization of semiconductor devices and circuits. It also uses LabVIEW as the programming language. Berntzen et al. (2001) discusses that programming and analytical skills of the students are enhanced with the use of the said system. Thus, there are many advantages of remote laboratory experiments in colleges and universities.
Internet in Problem and Project-based Learning
Chalk-and-talk approach to engineering education may not work in the current education setting. In industrial practice, more skills are involved aside from sound technical knowledge and know-how. Engineers have to deal with people, with client requirements, budget constraints, and deadlines. One type of learning approach patterned after the health professions is problem-based learning (Mills & Treagust, 2003). Usually, design problems are of this type. The process is divided into phases. The start phase usually involves problem identification. For the student to progress, he has to initiate research, and this is where internet comes to the help of students. Search engines now are designed to answer simple questions and basic computations. Most journals and books are available online. There are even videos for tutorials and basic troubleshooting. Some reference sources are free while others require payment. Research also confirms that students get higher performance rating in problem-based learning (Yaday et al., 2011)
Another learning approach is the project-based learning. It is similar in theory to problem-based learning. However, project-based learning involves not just design, but also actual implementation or construction of the design. It is a realistic objective where knowledge is applied in comparison to problem-based learning where acquiring the knowledge is the goal. Final capstone projects fall into this category. Usually, they involve not just the design, but also the creation and testing of the prototype. The vast resources in the internet can provide valuable information such as part specification, supplier information and fabricator location, etc.
Internet in Capstone Projects (Use of web-service)
In electrical engineering, internet is utilized to interface data between equipment and simple mobile devices. Some capstone projects in electrical engineering focus on this concept. Ginige & San Murugesan (2001) discussed in their book some web engineering applications for manufacturing, education, health, etc. One example of a hypothetical project using internet is integrating a power-consumption data measurement device with an Android application. This can be specifically useful for businesses and households. A person can remotely monitor the power-consumption of his business or home. Many applications can be designed such as an online exam for the practice of engineering (PE) exam. Many modern problems can be solved through web engineering such as the riding applications UBER and Grab-A-Taxi.
Internet and the Continuing Professional Development of Electrical Engineer
Elearning is one of the ways by which internet has revolutionized education. This is not only true in the university setting, but also in the professional world. Industry practitioners and executives are updating themselves with current trends through massive open online courses (MOOCs). Aside from face-to-face seminars and trainings organized by the accredited engineering professional organizations, MOOCs are avenues by which electrical engineers can continue growing and keeping up with other professionals. Aside from elearning programs hosted by the websites of the professional organizations, free MOOCs such as Coursera and edX offer technical courses for free with added payment specifically for certification purposes only. Furthermore, universities and other academic institutions are also offering courses such as geographical information systems, e-commerce, power electronics, telecommunications management, etc. (Ubell, 2000). A social network is formed in the form of a virtual classroom where instructors can communicate with their students, their students can communicate with their instructors, and students can interact with their classmates through an online forum or chat features. Each course is designed into weekly modules requiring a specific number of hours to the e-student. Assessment is scheduled and usually comes in the form of online quiz or deliverables.
Another way in which internet helps connect people is through social networking sites. Some professional organizations have an online group account where members can communicate and post messages and important announcements such as job posts, conventions, and general assemblies. Electronic mail is still a popular communication tool. Also, face-to-face chat is possible with Skype. Conversations are also not limited to two individuals. Current technologies have stepped-up communication standards indeed.
Internet in Modern Electrical Engineering
Modern electrical engineering integrates internet into their systems. Also, the internet has also benefited from key advancements in electrical engineering. Three examples will be discussed: (1) internet-based production technology, (2) energy-efficient fiber-optic systems, and (3) internet of things. First is the use of internet-based production technology. Kováč (2010) discussed the 4Rs: response time, resolution, reliability and reparability. These are the key criteria where virtual measurement laboratories (VMLs) are advantageous to use as compared to conventional systems. Kováč, in 2009, created a VML in the Technical University of Kosice. This VML is designed for electrical engineering education purposes as it can do simulation of complex electrical systems. Application of VMLs in production technology results in a system with fast response time and accurate measurements. Furthermore, safety interlocks can be implemented to have great reliability. Systems can be redesigned online to suit particular objectives.
Next is energy-efficient fiber-optic systems. Internet infrastructures are being studied to improve efficiency and decrease energy consumption. Many factors can be attributed to energy consumption such as network equipment, capacity planning, cloud service facilities, demographics, service scenarios, and service management. Based on the study by Hinton et al. (2010), three strategies needs to be implemented. First is to develop low-power state mode of network equipment. Second is to lower traffic load of electronic circuit. Third is to improve energy efficiency of core routers. When this technologies are developed and deployed, significant savings can be attained which will ultimately lessen data cost for the consumers.
Last on the list is the internet of things. This technology is still at its infancy stage. It is a concept of connected devices with sensing, processing, and communicating capabilities to achieve a common goal (Whitmore et al., 2015). Advancements in design and manufacture of smart electronic and electrical devices will soon pave the way for the internet of things.
Looking Beyond
The internet has affected the electrical engineering profession in many ways. It plays a key role in engineering education, continuing professional development, and even in current technologies. Electrical engineering has a wide perspective and through specialization, it has adapted to the needs of time. Internet has given valuable tools which can be used by students, professors, and practicing engineers. It has to be optimized to fulfil its intended use. Students need to take the challenge of innovation, research, and solving contemporary issues. Instructors need to exert more effort to implement problem and project-based learning. Practicing electrical engineers need to update themselves with current technologies. Internet provides a corresponding tool for each of these challenges. Overcoming these challenges can lead to a bright future ahead of the electrical engineering profession.
References
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