A TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE: UNDERWATER ROBOTICS RESEARCH

This paper discusses a transformative learning experience that was provided in the summer of 2011. The freshmen of the Robotics Engineering Group in the Summer Bridge 2011 Program designed and built an underwater ROV (remotely-operated vehicle) to perform underwater exploration of, for example, local ponds and lakes. The duration for the project was four weeks in July and the first part of the Fall semester. The students were given instruction in the basic electrical and mechanical principles associated with the project, and introduced to a set of components that would be available in the completion of the project, through a sequence learning activities that included lectures and laboratory exercises. Students were also given instruction on the engineering design process paradigm. The separate elements of the course were integrated as the students designed, constructed, tested, and modified a prototype ROV.