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AI-enhanced engineering education
We research how artificial intelligence can improve teaching, learning and assessment in engineering.
How can artificial intelligence help educate better engineers? At PLaS we research how to integrate this technology into teaching, learning and assessment, with a particular focus on programming, software engineering, and analog and digital electronics.
We design and evaluate educational strategies and tools that draw on AI to improve engineering education, through solutions that support students, provide timely feedback and help instructors understand learning difficulties. We study how these experiences influence conceptual understanding, problem solving, motivation and the ability to self-regulate learning.
We promote a critical and responsible integration of AI that strengthens reasoning and the development of professional competencies, with attention to privacy, equity and academic integrity.
Topics
Learning analytics and educational data mining5 works
We study the data generated during learning activities to understand how students learn and what difficulties they face. We combine data analysis and artificial intelligence to identify patterns, detect where support is needed, and provide useful information to improve teaching and help students steer their own learning.
Active students
Conversational agents, intelligent tutoring and adaptive learning3 works
We explore the design of AI assistants that students and instructors can talk to in everyday language to resolve questions, discuss concepts and explore solutions. We investigate how to adapt these agents to course content and how to evaluate the quality of their answers, their limitations and their educational value. We also research tools that support learning through guiding questions, hints and explanations tailored to each student's needs. Our goal is for this support to foster understanding, autonomy and the ability to review one's own reasoning.
Faculty
Active students
Recent work
- OPEN-SOURCE SMALL LANGUAGE MODELS FOR CURRICULUM-ALIGNED MATH TUTORING IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS
- Prototipo de asistente virtual como apoyo al proceso de aprendizaje en una asignatura de análisis y visualización de datos utilizando grandes modelos de lenguaje
- Prototipo de plataforma educativa basada en modelos de lenguaje para el apoyo en el aprendizaje de matemáticas básicas
Automated assessment and feedback on code12 works
We develop and study methods to analyze programming solutions and give feedback that helps students understand errors and improve their code. We are interested in assessing both the result and the problem-solving process, and in combining automated tests with explanations that guide learning and support instructors.
Recent work
- Evaluación automática de casos de prueba de ejercicios de programación de computadores
- Automated grading software tool with feedback process to support learning of hardware description languages
- Prototipo de una herramienta de software de calificación automática con proceso de realimentación para el apoyo al aprendizaje de lenguajes de descripción de hardware
Self-regulated learning18 works
We study and promote self-regulated learning, motivation and study strategies in subjects such as computer programming, digital electronics, electronic control systems and analog electronics. We evaluate how different teaching strategies and classroom innovations affect self-regulation, including automatic and immediate feedback on practical assignments, collaborative learning environments, peer assessment, game dynamics and video game creation, and hybrid, remote and pocket labs.
Recent work
- Efectos de un entorno de aprendizaje de programación de computadores basado en el desarrollo de videojuegos sobre la motivación por aprender de los estudiantes
- Self‐Regulated Learning Strategies in Computer Programming Education
- Efecto de un entorno de aprendizaje de programación de computadores basado en el desarrollo de videojuegos sobre la motivación por aprender de los estudiantes
- Evaluación del efecto de un laboratorio híbrido en el aprendizaje de un Lenguaje de Descripción de Hardware (HDL)
- The Development and Validation of the Questionnaire to Characterize Learning Strategies in Computer Programming (CEAPC)
Integrating transversal competencies1 work
We want to understand how to deliberately incorporate and strengthen transversal competencies, such as managing study time, critical thinking, decision making and teamwork, as an integral part of learning technical engineering subjects. As a starting point, we have explored the effect of project management methodologies such as Scrum on time management in project-based learning environments. Looking ahead, we aim to extend and scale these studies with AI tools that provide adaptive scaffolding, metacognitive monitoring and personalized feedback in the classroom.
Timeline
2026
- EXPLORING BIAS IN AI-GENERATED IMAGERY: A DESIGN-RESEARCH CASE STUDY IN UNIVERSITY VISUAL COMMUNICATION
- IoT-Enabled PocketLabs and the Instructional Model for Active Learning in Control Systems Education
- OPEN-SOURCE SMALL LANGUAGE MODELS FOR CURRICULUM-ALIGNED MATH TUTORING IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS
- Prototipo de asistente virtual como apoyo al proceso de aprendizaje en una asignatura de análisis y visualización de datos utilizando grandes modelos de lenguaje
2025
- Efectos de la implementación de una metodología de gestión de proyectos en la habilidad de los estudiantes para gestionar el tiempo
- Efectos de un entorno de aprendizaje de programación de computadores basado en el desarrollo de videojuegos sobre la motivación por aprender de los estudiantes
- Evaluación automática de casos de prueba de ejercicios de programación de computadores
- Modelo de predicción de abandono de clientes en un marketplace mediante técnicas de machine learning
- Prototipo de plataforma educativa basada en modelos de lenguaje para el apoyo en el aprendizaje de matemáticas básicas
- Self‐Regulated Learning Strategies in Computer Programming Education
2024
- Efecto de un entorno de aprendizaje de programación de computadores basado en el desarrollo de videojuegos sobre la motivación por aprender de los estudiantes
- Evaluación del efecto de un laboratorio híbrido en el aprendizaje de un Lenguaje de Descripción de Hardware (HDL)
- Predictive models of academic performance for early intervention in computer programming courses
2023
- Automated grading software tool with feedback process to support learning of hardware description languages
- Curricular Experiences Leading to the ABET Accreditation in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Programs
- Discovering Insights in Learning Analytics Through a Mixed-Methods Framework: Application to Computer Programming Education
- Early prediction of student performance in CS1 programming courses
- Prototipo de una herramienta de software de calificación automática con proceso de realimentación para el apoyo al aprendizaje de lenguajes de descripción de hardware
- The Development and Validation of the Questionnaire to Characterize Learning Strategies in Computer Programming (CEAPC)
2022
- A case study in technology-enhanced learning in an introductory computer programming course
- Análisis y definición de objetivos de formación
- Analítica de aprendizaje en la asignatura Programación de Computadores: una investigación basada en métodos mixtos
- Effect of Gamification on the Motivation of Computer Programming Students
- EFFECTS OF AN AUTOMATIC ASSESSMENT TOOL ON THE MOTIVATION TO LEARN OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING STUDENTS
- Evaluación del impacto en la motivación en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de programación de computadores mediante el uso de una herramienta de evaluación automática
- Una nueva asignatura en posgrados de ingeniería: Investigación educativa en el aula de ingeniería
2021
- Automatic Grading Tool for Jupyter Notebooks in Artificial Intelligence Courses
- Diseño y validación interna de un instrumento de autoinforme para caracterizar las estrategias de aprendizaje de programación de computadores
- Evaluación del efecto de la gamificación asistida por computador en la motivación de los estudiantes de programación de computadores
- Prototipo de herramienta computacional para el aprendizaje colaborativo de programación de computadores
- UNCOLAB: A COMPUTATIONAL TOOL FOR COLLABORATIVE LEARNING OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
2020
- COMPUTER-ASSISTED GAMIFICATION IN A COMPUTER PROGRAMMING COURSE: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT
- Estrategia de enseñanza basada en la colaboración y la evaluación automática de código fuente en un curso de programación CS1
- Using an Interactive Software Tool for the Formative and Summative Evaluation in a Computer Programming Course: an Experience Report
2019
- Análisis de la articulación del diseño curricular del programa de ingeniería electrónica, en relación con los objetivos de aprendizaje asociados a metrología
- Automatic source code analysis forassessment of solutions toprogramming tasks
- Evaluating Impact on Motivation and Academic Performance of a Game-Based Learning Experience Using Kahoot
2018
2017
2016