A Computer Design and Assembly Active Learning Project

An active learning activity for a computer design and assembly with practical, technical and budgetary constraints was implemented to study real-life design concepts and project-based design outcomes, supplementing the traditional lecture style, implementing a potential interview process to synthesize the innovative design ideas and requirements, and relevant academic experiences as well as perspectives. The student teams conducted extensive research, analyzed hardware/software requirements as well as budgetary constraints, evaluated various design alternatives and conducted interviews with their own questions to subsequently improve the project design perspectives. The project evaluation has illustrated the effectiveness of the active learning activity to enhance the student long-lasting educational experience, i.e., the hybrid approach was instrumental to enhance student technical and interpersonal skills. Keywords—Computer architecture, active learning, practical design