Successful Integration of Informal Learning in Engineering Education

Authors

  • Lynroy Grant University of Hartford
  • Akram Ahmad Abu-aisheh University of Hartford

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v5i2.2102

Keywords:

Informal Learning, Learner Agent Object, Learner Mobility, Learner Data Nodes

Abstract


Abstractâ?? Research suggests that an emerging environment of ubiquitous information technology affords seamless movement between formal learning, informal learning, and the workplace. This paper reviews research data from one successful teaching and learning methodology that leverages seamless movements between informal and formal learning in engineering education. The research is an ongoing pilot study at the University of Hartford using data from selected technical mathematics and communication electronics courses. The research data suggests that clearly defined academic jurisdictions have a positive correlation with successful integration of formal learning, informal learning, and the workplace. However, themes from the data also suggest that crossing academic boundaries involves more than technology issues and could raise the specter of unintended social-dramas. One theme suggests that, in a seamless environment without clearly defined academic jurisdictions, opportunities for collaboration could be misinterpreted as encroachments. To mitigate issues of competing jurisdictional interests this study employs Learner Agent Objects (LAO) individual portfolios. LAO portfolios are collections of evidence-based artifacts representing a learner's academic experience that independently moves with the learner as data network nodes between jurisdictions in engineering education and the workplace.

Author Biographies

Lynroy Grant, University of Hartford

LYNROY GRANT is an Assistant Professor of Technical Mathematics and Engineering Simulation at the University of Hartford where he has developed the evidence based Learner Agent Objects (LAO) methodology to foster mobility in twenty-first century engineering education. Dr. Grant has a doctorate in Education and Mathematical Sciences from the University of Connecticut, and Master of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Central Connecticut State University. Dr. Grant may be contacted at lygrant@hartford.edu.

Akram Ahmad Abu-aisheh, University of Hartford

AKRAM ABU-AISHEH is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Hartford where he has served as the assistant chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and director of the electronic and computer engineering technology program for two years. Professor Abu-aisheh has a doctorate in Optical Communications from the Florida Institute of Technology and Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida. Professor Abu-aisheh has ten years of industry experience in the US including five years as a senior member of the technical staff at Tyco Telecommunications. His research interests include Fiber Optic Communications, Solar Energy, Power Electronics, and Engineering Education. He has published a book, a book chapter, and several international journals and conference papers. Dr. Abu-aisheh may be contacted at abuaisheh@hartford.edu

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Published

2012-06-04

How to Cite

Grant, L., & Abu-aisheh, A. A. (2012). Successful Integration of Informal Learning in Engineering Education. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning (iJAC), 5(2), pp. 4–9. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v5i2.2102

Issue

Section

Papers