Temasek Polytechnic Research Articles

Successful chatbot design for polytechnic students in Singapore

ABSTRACT In Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore, several AI chatbots acting as digital teaching assistants were trialed between July 2021 and August 2022. As these were developed for different purposes, it is important to learn if these AI chatbots help achieve the desired learning outcomes. This paper focuses on lessons learnt from three chatbots designed for different learning experiences: the independent learning of EXCEL, the correction of errors in the application of APA citation style, and the provision of supplementary theoretical support for software usage for Social Media Analytics. The research team studied the students’ reaction to these educational chatbots, their motivation to use them, as well as the efficacy of the chatbot features to support specific purposes. This paper offers a design model that describes the three-stage approach for learning with an AI chatbot, with examples elucidating them. These sequential stages are foundational in the chatbot design to provide focused, personalised, student-controlled online learning environment. The application of this model is detailed in a fourth AI chatbot designed for the subject, Airline Management.

Gamifying Project-Based Learning in Statistics Education in Singapore

Biostatistics is a second-year subject taken by Biomedical Engineering Diploma students in Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. Gamification elements, referenced from the popular Pokémon GO, were infused into a suite of activities. The purpose was to engage and sustain the interest of students while facilitating the successful execution of their group project. The gamified initiative, named Biostatistics GO, generated much excitement and added depth to the learning of this project-based subject. In this paper, we present the design of Biostatistics GO by highlighting the key design principles, describing the gamification elements, and reviewing its impact on the students’ achievements and learning.

Ayurvedic Antivirals for Management of COVID-19 Patients

Kadamb Patel1, Bharati Patel2 and Shabbir Moochhala2,3* Author Affiliations 1Centre for Molecular Diagnostics, School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore 2Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 3Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Received: June 10s, 2020 | Published: June 19, 2020 Corresponding author: Shabbir Moochhala, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.28.004643

We May Be Teaching Information Literacy, but Are the Design First Year Students Actually Getting It?

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of information literacy instruction for the Design first year students at the Temasek Polytechnic Library. Also of interest was whether or not the librarian was being seen as easily approachable, and if the students were deeming the lessons to be worthwhile. A participant action research approach was used, with the data being collected from multiple choice tests delivered via the institutional learning management system, group exercises, and a diagnostic assessment that was delivered before the workshops. It was found that the students did see the librarian as someone who was eminently approachable, and the majority of them found the lessons to be of value. It was concluded that the use of a diagnostic tool can be very useful in highlighting the gaps in students' knowledge, and that it would be beneficial to use it for all information literacy instruction at TP. Suggested future research could include a study of how much the students retain of IL skills into their third year of study.

The music listening preferences and habits of youths in Singapore and its relation to leisure noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a preventable condition, and much has been done to protect workers from it. However, thus far, little attention has been given to leisure NIHL. The purpose of this study is to determine the possible music listening preferences and habits among young people in Singapore that may put them at risk of developing leisure NIHL. In our study, the proportion of participants exposed to > 85 dBA for eight hours a day (time-weighted average) was calculated by taking into account the daily number of hours spent listening to music and by determining the average sound pressure level at which music was listened to. A total of 1,928 students were recruited from Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. Of which, 16.4% of participants listened to portable music players with a time-weighted average of > 85 dBA for 8 hours. On average, we found that male students were more likely to listen to music at louder volumes than female students (p < 0.001). We also found that the Malay students in our study listened to louder music than the Chinese students (p < 0.001). We found that up to one in six young persons in Singapore is at risk of developing leisure NIHL from music delivered via earphones. As additional risks due to exposure to leisure noise from other sources was not taken into account, the extent of the problem of leisure NIHL may be even greater. There is a compelling need for an effective leisure noise prevention program among young people in Singapore.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing using 3D virtual world on Second Life

A collaborative and knowledge sharing virtual activity on Second Life using a learner-centred teaching methodology was initiated between Temasek Polytechnic and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK PolyU) in the October 2011 semester. This paper highlights the author’s experience in designing and implementing this e-learning activity and incorporating it into the curriculum of the Diploma in Interactive Media Informatics at Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. Students from Temasek Polytechnic and HK PolyU met up at Temasek Polytechnic Island and HK PolyU campus on Second Life and networked amongst themselves using Avatars and interactive 3D objects. Students from both institutions worked in groups to share and exchange knowledge through experiential learning, knowledge sharing and teamwork in a virtual environment. At the end of the module, two online self-reported surveys were conducted to get students’ feedback on the effectiveness of the subject delivery and teaching methods. The survey results indicate that Second Life has positive effects on students’ learning, motivation and attitudes towards learning. The interactive 3D environment within Second Life promotes learner-centered teaching by enabling learning to be more engaging, fun and interesting, thus increasing students’ motivation to learn and develop their abilities to acquire relevant problem solving skills and knowledge.

INSIDE INDUSTRY

Cochlear implant creator honoured with top US prize. Argentina extends its tech transfer ties with Africa. Latin American link-up aims for US$1 syphilis test. A*STAR, NSC, NTU collaborate to advance skin research. Agilent Technologies Thought Leader Award supports Institut Curie, Dr. Emmanuel Barillot's web-based tools for cancer and drug-safety research. Agilent Technologies and Temasek Polytechnic open analytical sciences laboratory.

Vertical stream curricula integration of problem-based learning using an autonomous vacuum robot in a mechatronics course

Difficulties in teaching a multi-disciplinary subject such as the mechatronics system design module in Departments of Mechatronics Engineering at Temasek Polytechnic arise from the gap in experience and skill among staff and students who have different backgrounds in mechanical, computer and electrical engineering within the Mechatronics Department. The departments piloted a new vertical stream curricula model (VSCAM) to enhance student learning in mechatronics system design through integration of educational activities from the first to the second year of the course. In this case study, a problem-based learning (PBL) method on an autonomous vacuum robot in the mechatronics systems design module was proposed to allow the students to have hands-on experience in the mechatronics system design. The proposed works included in PBL consist of seminar sessions, weekly works and project presentation to provide holistic assessment on teamwork and individual contributions. At the end of VSCAM, an integrative evaluation was conducted using confidence logs, attitude surveys and questionnaires. It was found that the activities were quite appreciated by the participating staff and students. Hence, PBL has served as an effective pedagogical framework for teaching multidisciplinary subjects in mechatronics engineering education if adequate guidance and support are given to staff and students.

Seeker optimization algorithm for global optimization: A case study on optimal modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)

In order to optimize the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) model parameters, a novel approach based on seeker optimization algorithm (SOA) is proposed. The SOA is based on the concept of simulating human searching behaviors, where the choice of search direction is based on the empirical gradient by evaluating the response to the position changes and the decision of step length is based on uncertainty reasoning by using a simple Fuzzy rule. In this study, after evaluated on benchmark function optimization, the SOA is applied to optimal modelling of the PEMFC by using a fuel cell test system in Fuel Cell Application Centre (FAC) at the Temasek Polytechnic, and compared with several state-of-the-art versions of differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed approach is superior to other compared algorithms, and the PEMFC model with optimized parameters by SOA fitted experimental data well. Hence, SOA is an effective and reliable technique for optimizing the parameters of PEMFC model, and can be helpful for system analysis, optimization design and real-time control of the PEMFCs.

Investigating the Effect of 3D Simulation Based Learning on the Motivation and Performance of Engineering Students

BackgroundSimulation‐based Learning (SBL) was used in Machining Technology, a sixty‐hour module for second year engineering students, at the School of Engineering at Temasek Polytechnic. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SBL on learners' motivation and performance. In assessing students' motivation, we adopted a framework based on the Self‐determination Theory (SDT), chosen on account of its comprehensive treatment of the relationship between students' perceived needs satisfaction and their motivation.Purpose (Hypothesis)It is hypothesized that SBL, which provides learners with interactive learning experiences, will enhance students' motivation and performance. We explored the effect of SBL on students' perceived psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, and learning, and how SBL affected students' understanding and application of content knowledge.Design/MethodThe intervention procedure involved the incorporation of SBL in Machining Technology, a 60 hour module in the mechanical engineering program. Survey findings and post‐intervention assessment outcomes were used to assess the students' perceptions of their basic psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, and performance.ResultsOur findings suggest that the students perceived their psychological needs to be satisfied and had high levels of self‐determined motivation. Students who undertook SBL had higher mean performance test scores, although SBL may have differential effects on learners depending on factors such as gender, educational backgrounds, and IT knowledge.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the students perceived their basic psychological needs to be met and that SBL can potentially enhance self‐determined motivation as well as improve learning in general.

Nonlinear robust control of proton exchange membrane fuel cell by state feedback exact linearization

Abstract By utilizing the state feedback exact linearization approach, a nonlinear robust control strategy is designed based on a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) dynamic nonlinear model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The state feedback exact linearization approach can achieve the global exact linearization via the nonlinear coordinate transformation and the dynamic extension algorithm such that H ∞ robust control strategy can be directly utilized to guarantee the robustness of the system. The proposed dynamic nonlinear model is tested by comparing the simulation results with the experimental data in Fuel Cell Application Centre in Temasek Polytechnic. The comprehensive results of simulation manifest that the dynamic nonlinear model with nonlinear robust control law has better transient and robust stability when the vehicle running process is simulated. The proposed nonlinear robust controller will be very useful to protect the membrane damage by keeping the pressure deviations as small as possible during large disturbances and prolong the stack life of PEMFC.

Modeling and Dynamic Characteristic Simulation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

In order to investigate the output characteristic of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) based on the electrical empirical model, a novel dynamic model of the PEMFC has been developed with MATLAB/Simulink, which is distinct from the models that have been published previously. By using a fuel cell test system of the Fuel Cell Application Centre (FAC) at Temasek Polytechnic, the transient electrical responses of PEMFC were conducted and analyzed under various operating conditions. A good match is found between simulation results and experimental data. The comprehensive results of simulation manifested that the model is effective and operational. This model will be very useful to optimize the structure design, improve the operation performance, and develop the real-time control system of PEMFC.

The use of online forums to support inquiry in a PBL environment: observations from a work‐in‐progress

British Journal of Educational TechnologyVolume 36, Issue 5 p. 919-921 The use of online forums to support inquiry in a PBL environment: observations from a work-in-progress Cynthia Lim, Corresponding Author Cynthia Lim Temasek Business School, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. *Cynthia Lim, Temasek Business School, Temasek Polytechnic, 21 Tampines Avenue 1, Singapore 529757. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author Cynthia Lim, Corresponding Author Cynthia Lim Temasek Business School, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. *Cynthia Lim, Temasek Business School, Temasek Polytechnic, 21 Tampines Avenue 1, Singapore 529757. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 12 August 2005 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2005.00497.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume36, Issue5September 2005Pages 919-921 RelatedInformation

Language testing

05–178Carrel, Patricia L. (Southern Illinois U, USA; pcarrell@gsu.edu), Dunkel, Patricia A. (Georgia State U, USA; pdunkel@gsu.edu) &amp; Mollaun, Pamela (Educational Testing Service, USA; pmollaun@ets.org), The effects of notetaking, lecture length and topic on a computer-based test of ESL listening comprehension. Applied Language Learning (Monterey, CA, USA) 14.1 (2004), 83–105.05–179Cheng, Hsiao-fang (National United U, Taiwan, China), A comparison of multiple-choice and open-ended response formats for the assessment of listening proficiency in English. Foreign Language Annals (Alexandria, VA, USA) 37.4 (2004), 544–555.05–180Grindsted, Annette (U of Southern Denmark, Denmark; agr@language.sdu.dk), Interactive resources used in semi-structured research interviewing. Journal of Pragmatics (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) 37.7 (2005), 1015–1035.05–181Huempfner, Lisa (Illinois State U, USA), Can one size fit all? The imperfect assumptions of parallel achievement tests for bilingual students. Bilingual Research Journal (Tempe, AZ, USA) 28.3), 379–399.05–182Kondo-Brown, Kimi (U of Hawaii at Manoa, USA), Investigating interviewer–candidate interactions during oral interviews for child L2 learners. Foreign Language Annals (Alexandria, VA, USA) 37.4 (2004), 602–615.05–183Lokai Bischof, Deborah (Educational Testing Service, USA), Baum, David I., Casabianca, Jodi, M., Morgan, Rick, Rabiteau, Kathleen A. &amp; Tateneni, Krishna, Validating AP modern foreign language examinations through college comparability studies. Foreign Language Annals (Alexandria, VA, USA) 37.4 (2004), 616–622.05–184Mathews, Thomas J. &amp; Hansen, Cheryl M. (Weber State U, USA), Ongoing assessment of a university foreign language program. Foreign Language Annals (Alexandria, VA, USA) 37.4 (2004), 521–533.05–185Milton, James (U of Wales Swansea, UK; jlmilton@swansea.ac.uk), Comparing the lexical difficulty of French reading comprehension exam texts. Language Learning Journal (Rugby, UK) 30 (2004), 5–11.05–186Shultz, Deborah, L (Mechanicsburg Middle School, USA) &amp; Willard-Holt, Colleen, Promoting world languages in middle school: the achievement connection. Foreign Language Annals (Alexandria, VA, USA) 37.4 (2004), 623–629.05–187Tan, Kelvin (Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore), Does student self-assessment empower or discipline students?Assessment &amp; Evaluation in Higher Education (Abingdon, UK) 29.6 (2004), 651–662.

Ensuring Cataloging Students Meet the Mark: Testing the Validity of a Cataloging Worksheet Marking Scheme

The cataloging courses in Temasek Polytechnic aim to teach students skills and knowledge required of paraprofessional catalogers in industry. Thus the major part of the assessment examines the quality of students' cataloging. However, cataloging quality varies as to measurement, as questions arise whether the examiner's measures of catalog record quality is in line with that of the profession. Worksheets were given to catalogers from different institutions to grade, weighing specific errors and omissions. This paper discusses the findings and suggests possible reasons for the degree of correlation between examiners.

SEMPER-II: an internet-based multi-domain building performance simulation environment for early design support

Many existing building performance analysis methods and tools do not effectively encourage and facilitate iterative, multi-criteria, and multi-agenda building design development. SEMPER, which was originally developed at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), is a building design and performance simulation environment that attempts to remedy these shortcomings. It is an active, multi-domain, space-based, object-oriented design support tool for integrated building performance computing. However, it has been developed as a “stand-alone” application. This paper discusses the key findings of a collaborative research project between National University of Singapore, Carnegie Mellon University and Temasek Polytechnic to modify and transform SEMPER prototype 1 into SEMPER-II (S2), as an internet-based computational design support environment in order to facilitate geographically distributed design collaboration. The working details of the multi-domain thermal simulation environment within S2 called the Thermal Suite were specifically discussed with illustrative case studies.

Web usability testing in a polytechnic library

The Temasek Polytechnic Library in Singapore launched its new digital library portal in December 2002. Circumstances precluded usability testing prior to this so it was with some concern that the library web team monitored its use. A few months later it became clear the users were having problems, so a new website was designed. This article deals with the library web team’s approach to web usability testing and their belief that such testing is definitely worth every effort.

Techno‐pedagogy and the Conversational Learning Paradigm: Delivering the Curriculum at the Centre for Individual Language Learning

Techno‐pedagogy or the powerful combination of various technologies and pedagogy provides new opportunities to support a range of learning environments. This article describes how the Centre for Individual Language Learning (CILL) at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore applies techno‐pedagogy to a conversational self‐organised learning (S‐O‐L) environment. The concept of S‐O‐L is explained in terms of conversational constractivist learning events within a social context. We also review the pedagogy of S‐O‐L in terms of delivering task management components within a learning organisation. We then show how the CILL facility functions as a self‐organised conversational learning environment with its adapted working model of S‐O‐L pedagogy. We then discuss the three key technologies available in CILL and explain how the integration of these three technologies provides for a conversational scaffolding learning environment that helps deliver the CILL curriculum. This pedagogic process facilitates in learners the development of independent learning skills through both collaborative and individualized language learning encounters that enables them to take increased responsibility for self‐organising their own learning in both school and the community. The article concludes by discussing the benefits of techno‐pedagogic solutions and how these have shaped learning within a self‐organised conversational learning environment at CILL.

Transforming the Marketing Curriculum Using Problem-Based Learning: A Case Study

This article describes the experiences of the marketing faculty at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore in their effort to help their students develop essential entry-level skills by transforming the marketing curriculum using problem-based learning. The article describes how the faculty selected the problem-based learning approach and the challenges associated with implementing it. Evidence of the success of the new curriculum also is provided.

An Integrative Approach to the Teaching of Technical Communication Skills

This paper examines the role of language in the teaching of technical report writing for first-year Engineering students at Temasek Polytechnic. It describes, predicts and critiques the communicative behaviours of these students when they came into contact with report writing. Using an exploratory approach with an interactional sociolinguistics analysis, my intention is to generate insights that are of practical and meaningful use in tertiary education. Triangulation of data, drawn primarily from classroom teaching and tutor consultation, was realized through informal interviews, questionnaires, drafts as well as final reports. Findings indicate that good report writing can be learnt through an integrative approach in the teaching of proper framework and techniques. Results were encouraging: students not only demonstrated a high level of creativity and enthusiasm in class activities, but also a considerable improvement in their final reports. Most importantly, there has been a noticeable shift in their attitude towards writing.