Title: Developing learning objects for engineering and science fields: using technology to test system usability and interface design

Authors: Maurice Dawson; Latina Davis; Marwan Omar

Addresses: Illinois Institute of Technology, IIT Tower, 10 West 35th Street, Suite 14B, Chicago, IL 60616, USA ' Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA ' Saint Leo University, 33701 FL-52, St. Leo, FL 33574, USA

Abstract: Technology is changing the landscape of learning and teaching in US higher education. The use of virtual worlds enables engineering and technology programs to implement software programs such as second life, open simulator, or Lumiya to enhance what they may currently already have. Additionally, virtual worlds can add a more dynamic environment in the online classroom for multiple platforms such as the personal computer (PC), wearable's, and mobile devices. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of these programs to include how to implement these items into an engineering course. Further detailed in this article is how to incorporate Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) documentation and other design guidelines for the projects. Included in this document is a detailed layout of a simulated environment as well as various approaches to structuring and organisation for classroom activities.

Keywords: learning objects; technology; systems usability; interface design; limited fidelity prototyping; virtual worlds.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMARTTL.2019.097951

International Journal of Smart Technology and Learning, 2019 Vol.1 No.2, pp.140 - 161

Received: 07 Feb 2017
Accepted: 11 Aug 2017
Published online: 25 Feb 2019 *

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