Title: Balancing hands-on vs. theory in biomedical engineering and informatics education

Authors: Udantha R. Abeyratne

Addresses: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia

Abstract: In this paper we report our explorations in designing a course on biomedical signal processing (BSP) based on the concepts of action learning within an ACL/PBL framework. We focus into the issue of obtaining a balance between |hands-on| activities and |theoretical foundations| targeting for maximum learning outcomes, student engagement and developing a deeper approach to life-long learning.

Keywords: action learning; theory; practice; teaching and learning models; biomedical engineering education; informatics education; biomedical signal processing; BSP; learning outcomes; student engagement; life-long learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEI.2008.019467

International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2008 Vol.1 No.1, pp.18 - 38

Published online: 13 Jul 2008 *

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