文档介绍：An investigation into the impact of using group Wikis to facilitate project based learning in the first year of an engineering degree programme
Tom Molyneaux
School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract: Implementation of a Wiki as part of an engineering project based design exercise is shown to facilitate the project management and design process. The technique effectively substitutes for the lack munal work environment and enhances the instructor’s ability to observe team dynamics thus facilitating timely feedback and intervention.
Introduction
Background
There is a need for engineering graduates to learn to work effectively in teams – this involves developing such abilities as teamwork, communication, presentation skills, problem solving, autonomous learning, project management as well as technical skills. Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL) is recognised widely as an effective way to achieve this – Engineers Australia encourages the adoption of such techniques in their accreditation requirements (EA 2004) and the Engineering Australia graduate attributes were the central theme around which the Civil and Infrastructure degree programme was redesigned in 2003 (Hadgraft 2003, 2004). The programme concentrates on educating students on the whole of lifecycle performance of infrastructure (as opposed to design and construction) and on the responsibility of the engineer with regard to sustainability of the built environment. Project Based Learning was adopted as the dominant teaching paradigm throughout the programme.
The theme for the first year (the transition year) is ‘connection’– aimed at helping students make the transition from a school existence, to beginning a purposeful career in engineering. The idea is to help them connect with themselves, their colleagues (staff and students), a sustainable approach to engineering (the profession), and the university. Helping th