This project is dedicated to modernizing the NAVARCH 340 Marine Dynamics I course, with a focus on enhancing both the accessibility and quality of educational materials. The grant has successfully supported a graduate student in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering during Summer 2024. Essential to this effort is the digitization of over 100 pages of handwritten notes, which have been converted into accessible digital resources now available to all students on Canvas. These digitized notes have also been integrated into the AI-powered virtual tutor, U-M Maizey, providing students with 24/7 personalized learning support.
The instructor, Yue Cynthia Wu, has been fine-tuning the AI and generating analyses to ensure the optimal functionality and effectiveness of the virtual tutor. Beyond digitization, the project seeks to elevate the course content by transforming basic examples into complex, real-world case studies that emphasize diversity, equity, and critical thinking. The instructor has been working closely with the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory of the University of Michigan to design student-led, hands-on experiments based on real engineering challenges. This collaborative effort is designed to foster student engagement and comprehension through interactive and dynamic teaching methods.
Ultimately, this initiative aims not only to significantly improve educational outcomes in NAVARCH 340 but also to serve as a model for instructional innovation across other STEM disciplines. By demonstrating the effectiveness of digital tools and AI in enhancing educational experiences, this project has the potential to inform and inspire broader changes in teaching practices, leading to improved educational outcomes across the university.
Project Team
Yue Cynthia Wu
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Funding
This team was awarded $5,648 in funding in Summer 2024.