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Publications

Publications by Fernando Maciel Barbosa

2018

Implementation of methodological strategies, attitudes and instruments as a PBL resource

Authors
Valdez, MT; Ferreira, CM; Barbosa, FPM;

Publication
2018 17th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training, ITHET 2018

Abstract
The evolution of knowledge, where intellectual development and adaptive skills are required, has rendered the traditional rigid curricula and teaching methodologies outdated. Education and training must be acquired throughout life, hence the need to change the teaching-learning processes. The Bologna Process introduced new paradigms that resulted in curricula revisions, the reorganization of teaching-learning processes, the structuring of courses and curricular units. It shifted the teaching process to a new form that enhances and assesses the acquisition of learning skills based on the work performed by the students. It is student-centered teaching, where it is essential to define the intended levels of knowledge, how the students achieve them, and if they reach the necessary skills in each of those levels. Each student needs to be motivated to learn and to participate in the activities, which presupposes meaningful activities to arouse the interest in developing them. The purpose of this paper is to describe a design project, its implementation, orientation and effectiveness in problem-based learning (PBL). Another purpose is the establishment of a relationship between the Bologna process and the implicit implications in the structure of teaching and training in lighting projects. This paper presents a proposal of the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) using DIALux evo software. It is part of the learning methodology, supported by computer simulation for lighting projects, in the Electrical Installation and Lighting Engineering Master's Degree in Service Engineering of Construction, 1st semester of the 1st year, in the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Institute of Engineering of Coimbra (ISEC). PBL combined with Flipped Classroom is used as a pedagogical strategy to enable higher education students to approach problems, in groups and with the supervision of a teacher, in order to acquire specialized knowledge. The implementation of the PBL method aimed at bringing education and learning closer to the professional reality of the future engineers. © 2018 IEEE.

2017

Virtual Reality as support for Learning in Electrical Engineering

Authors
Valdez, MT; Machado Ferreira, C; Maciel Barbosa, FP;

Publication
2017 27th EAEEIE Annual Conference, EAEEIE 2017

Abstract
All Higher Education Institutions play a decisive role in adapting the new courses to the needs of society and the world of work. ICTs widen the possibilities of uses, at a relatively low cost; therefore, additional measures need to be taken in terms of methodologies to implement flexible learning processes, at their own special pace. The possibility of performing real life experiments is essential to consolidate concepts taught in theoretical classes of scientific and technical curricular units. Real labs are seldom available, posing restrictions to learning and experimentation. New internet-based technologies can be used to improve the access to these experiences using laboratories with simulated experiments. This paper aims at presenting the development of a prototype using tools to create virtual learning environments. It uses virtual experimentation to perform laboratory practices and as an alternative tool to meet the needs of access to a Measurement and Instrumentation laboratory. The basis of the project was the creation of a 3D laboratory where all the equipment and its components may be observed and manipulated and virtual experimentation was chosen to facilitate all laboratory practices. A creative tool or authoring tool was used for the development of the program called VEMA -Virtual Electric MAnual. The use of WireFusion 5.0 ® authoring tool and an educational license explain the low cost of construction of the virtual reality (VR) program. This project was developed to demonstrate how a VR desktop prototype may be applied to an engineering curricular unit and also to increase safety and resourcefulness in the use of electrical equipment. From the educational point of view, VEMA should not be seen as a substitute of traditional teaching methods, but only as a complementary resource that can meaningfully improve students' understanding and motivation. The main objective of VEMA was to develop a prototype of a VR simulator to demonstrate the potential benefits of combining virtual reality to improve learning and measurement of electrical circuits in a specific controlled environment. No browser plug-in is required to show the presentations. © 2017 IEEE.

2017

Study and Lighting Design in an Electrical Engineering Programme

Authors
Valdez, MT; Machado Ferreira, C; Maciel Barbosa, FP;

Publication
2017 27th EAEEIE Annual Conference, EAEEIE 2017

Abstract
Technology is a powerful and resourceful tool in teaching and learning as it entices and helps all the parties involved, transforming all activities into alluring or challenging experiences, opening new perspectives into the process and maximizing the availability and use of the tools which the same technology provides. It allows levels of effectiveness in this modern and global era. This study integrates technology in the learning process and evaluation of its various outcomes.The present paper deals with the planning and execution of a lighting design project to be implemented in several monuments and has as main objective the creation and/or replacement of the existing light fixtures with more efficient ones. The lighting systems are intended to illuminate monuments in order to ensure adequate visibility and comfort. The luminous efficiency of a luminary has a dominant influence on the energy consumption and, consequently, in maintenance costs and use of lighting.The project involved the lighting design of monuments or buildings considered relevant or of public interest with the purpose of enhancing their beauty, making them more attractive to the onlookers. A reinforcement of learning applied to the historical monuments lighting configurations will be described. The aim of the projects is also to demonstrate that LED technology allows for greater energetic efficiency in lighting design of monuments. The inherent advantages of replacing the existing solution with one that provides better energy performance will lead to a future reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), creating an environmentally friendly installation.The challenge was to design a computer aided lighting project using the problem based learning model. With software such as the Dialux computer program, it is possible to analyze the advantage of using correct floodlighting and to understand how software tools can be useful in lighting engineering projects. The simulation design to enhance the authenticity and application of learning derived from the lighting project used to promote skills and understanding of working collaboratively. Both students and teachers shared responsibility in keeping up to date with the products of learning resulting from the simulation project. © 2017 IEEE.

2019

Project Based Learning Methodology to Improve Electrical Efficiency in Road Lighting

Authors
Monteiro, JMF; Figueiredo, TAP; Monteiro Pereira, RMM; Pereira, AJC; Maciel Barbosa, FPM;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF 2019 IEEE GLOBAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE (EDUCON)

Abstract
This paper presents the study carried out in the Electric Power Systems Project (EPSP) of the Electrical Engineering course, by a student's team, using PBL, under a protocol between the Law Court and the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra (ISEC / IPC). The purpose of the Electric Power Systems Project is to involve students in a project team, aiming to develop and test a system with a specific function, using concepts and technologies in the field of Electric Power Systems. Upon completing the course, students should demonstrate autonomy in identifying and analysing problems and propose, implement and test the specific solutions. In this work, the Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology was used. The Problem to be solved was presented to the students, by the Professors. The aim of the students was to provide a global framework for the problem of road lighting in Portugal, identifying the technologies used, existing legislation, national plans for improving energy efficiency in the sector, identify the most efficient technologies, learn how to work with software for simulation, propose a solution to the specific problem and justify the solution from a technical and economic point of view.

2019

Automatic Sign Language Translation to Improve Communication

Authors
Oliveira, T; Escudeiro, P; Escudeiro, N; Rocha, E; Barbosa, FM;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF 2019 IEEE GLOBAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE (EDUCON)

Abstract
Over the last years, there has been an increase in hearing-impaired students who use sign language as their main form of communication attending higher education institutions around the world. The knowledge that their comprehension of texts is reduced due to sentence structure differences causes a need for more solutions to improve communication and support students in environments where they are unable to be accompanied by sign interpreters. This article details the improvements and current structure of the VirtualSign platform, a bidirectional sign language to text translation tool that has been in development since 2015. The platform is divided into two main parts, sign to text and text to sign, and both components are described and explained. The solution has received positive feedback on several tests and a pilot experiment, and is being developed with partnerships with sign interpreters from six different European countries. Some planned improvements and future functionalities for the tool are also mentioned and detailed.

2019

Enhancing Electric Energy Systems Final Project through Real Engineering Design Problems

Authors
Travassos Valdez, MT; Machado Ferreira, CM; Maciel Barbosa, FPM;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF 2019 IEEE GLOBAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE (EDUCON)

Abstract
Close collaboration between schools and industry can lead to better results, providing effective improvements in electrical engineering education. The Electric Energy Systems Projects whenever possible should be developed under a cooperation agreement with an industry partner or with an institution, in order that the students have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and techniques learned in the academic course. The ability to design, fabricate and test, providing hands-on experience is very valued by the students and is the essential part of the paradigm of engineering. This paper describes how real engineering design problems were integrated in Electric Energy Systems final project and the learning methodologies that were applied to achieve this purpose.

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