Preparation of students through asynchronously administered web-based testing in physical electronic circuits labs

Student performance in electrical engineering labs can vary depending on their prior competencies and knowledge of the basic concepts of the lab, motivation, and expectations. There are indications that students are often not prepared to perform physical electronic labs. There are usually insufficient resources available for students to learn how to perform routine lab procedures, self correct misconceptions, and evaluate their preparedness for labs. A study at Vanderbilt University explored the potential of asynchronously administered web-based pre-lab testing in electronic labs to determine if learning technology can be used to prepare engineering students for labs. Statistics on conceptual deficiencies in individual students and the class were measured. This paper presents quantitative results that show positive outcomes in students' self-correction of misconceptions and improvement in their preparedness to carry out labs. Also presented are student and instructor evaluations on the web-based method of preparing students for physical electronic circuits labs