Applied Learning experiences to better prepare our graduates for the future of transportation

This paper presents two applied learning activities designed and implemented as part of the curriculum in the SIT Computer Engineering (CEG) programme (previously known as the Telematics (Intelligent Transportation System)). These activities are aimed to engage students in active and reflective learning allowing students to develop beyond in-class disciplinary skills. To ensure that graduates are fit for the future, there is a need to increase the involvement of industry in engineering education [1,2]. The System and Software Engineering module (TLM3004) is co-designed and co-taught with industry practitioner from the automotive industry. Part of the assessments in the module are based on real-life automotive industry case studies. In keeping the course content relevant in the ever-changing transportation landscape, the module curriculum is continually updated. In previous runs of the module, students were exposed to Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies through in-house demonstration of SIT’s very own AV – SIT Electric Autonomous Driving (SEAD). The demonstration includes explanation of how the AV functions as an integrated system containing various sub-components, followed by a live demonstration of how the AV operates on a pre-mapped route in SIT@Dover. In its most recent run, to allow students to have a practical understanding of how AVs are incorporated into Singapore’s transportation landscape, instead of the in-house AV demonstration, students take part in an experiential site visit to Gardens By The Bay to observe Auto Rider, an autonomous vehicle operated by Willers Ptd Ltd. Willers Ptd Ltd. is a key industry player that has introduced new mobility services and developed solutions for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) to enable access to all places for all people. At the study trip, students are introduced not only to the technical details of an AV that includes the sensors and various in-built features, but also gain insights in operationalizing AV commercial service including details such as daily operation to safety and s security, as well as works and preparation behind the scene . Students get to experience first-hand riding the AV around the Gardens By The Bay and better appreciate the challenges and constraints of running an AV on public road. At the end of the visit, students are invited to share their thoughts and suggestions on the public perceptions and opinions of autonomous vehicles implementation in Singapore. An informal survey was collected at the end of the site visit to gather feedback from the students and understand their main learning keypoints. Students feedback was overall very positive, especially as many have never experience riding an AV nor truly appreciate the details of running AV on public road. To complement the knowledge regarding real-life deployment of AV on the road, students engage in a hands-on practical lab session. Students are guided in modifying the operating software, known as Robotic Operating System (ROS ) [3] which dictate the AV’s movement. A mini robot called Turtlebot3 Waffle Pi, a small two-wheeled robot that is used to simulate the deployment of an actual AV. Students experiment in sending ‘messages’ to the AV to toggle sensors parameters like speed, camera angle and range of sensors. At the practical lab session, students learn both the theoretical concepts and experience hands-on activities to familiarize themselves with the ROS platform , which allows synchronization of various sensors, motors and camera to enable functionalities such as mapping, localization, navigation and visualization. With these two applied learning activities, students are equipped to assimilate the relevance of their classroom knowledge to real-world applications, and are better prepared for the ever changing landscape of transportation in Singapore.