Advancements in using a machine design project for teaching introductory electrical engineering

Project-based learning is commonly used in teaching electrical/electronic engineering content. This paper analyses a proposed course that used a Rube Goldberg machine design project for introductory electrical engineering teaching. To facilitate students´ learning, two main enhancements of the original course development are described: i) a refurnished project vehicle and new curriculum-framing questions have been proposed to assist students achieving the course´s learning outcomes, and ii) tools for idea cultivation, design progress monitoring and design/learning collaboration technologies have been proposed to assist students to direct their learning.