Mazyar Seraj

Area of Working: Web-based Learning Environment for Formative Testing of Logic Circuits

Project Description: In this research project, we discuss the development, implementation, and testing of a web-based learning environment to visualize information within logic circuit design. The learning environment will be designed to deliver information according to the Four-Component Instructional Design model 4C/ID. Four different aspects of logic circuit design are presented: (i) code-based (Verilog hardware description language, (ii) graphical-based (gate level view), (iii) Boolean function, and (iv) truth table. In addition, supportive information and interaction are considered, as they can support learners' understanding and performance. We aim to motivate students to practice independently by providing gamified learning activities using an interactive web-based tool. The tool is aimed to be a supplementary tool next to face-to-face classes.

Project Description: In this project (which is in its early stage), we aim at providing an integrated learning infrastructure to support Python programming courses in the development of their teaching material. We plan to publish this material as a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) available for learners. This project has external contributors at VU Amsterdam, University Twente, TU Delft, Wageningen University & Research, and University of Groningen.

Project Description: In this project, we aim to create a prototype that allows students to pose questions, refine them, and where feasible, find answers. Additionally, the prototype enhances interactions between students and teachers when addressing questions, as the questions are improved, and students have already contemplated the problem-solving process. As a result, the question is refined even before the teacher addresses it. Consequently, one group of students can expedite their exit from the queue, while the other group receives more personalized and quicker assistance from the teacher. This immediate support facilitates deeper learning. Utilizing a chatbot, students are prompted with a series of process-related questions, such as "What steps have you already taken?" and "Which steps did not lead to a solution?" This approach yields a sharply focused question for the teacher, with a well-defined problem.

Area of Working: Managing atomic exercises and their combination into gradable exercises sets

Project Description: In this project, we aim at sharing the efforts invested in the maintenance and creation of Python programming exercises and aligning the use of such exercises with specific learning objectives. That is, we plan to centralize the storage and maintenance of the exercises; so we can then (i) reuse the exercises in the different Python programming courses offered by the M\&CS department, (ii) improve their quality, (iii) associate programming exercises with specific learning objectives, and (iv) automate the generation of gradable exercises sets for different courses based on learning needs.
Python programming exercises are designed to work with Momotor). Momotor is an automated feedback system developed at TU/e and currently used by several courses at the University. It provides concrete feedback to students and automatically grades the students' submissions based on a testframe file. It is usually used via a Canvas plugin, but it can also be integrated into other solutions such as web applications.

Area of Working: Improvement of programming courses by developing curriculum independent materials

Project Description: The Erasmus project Quality-focused Programming EDucation (QPED) involves universities and companies in Spain (Open University Catalunya), Germany (Marburg University and Quarterfall), and The Netherlands (Open University Heerlen and TU/e). QPED aims at the universities to develop curriculum independent materials, notably Procedural Guidance and Testing, that can be used by the consortium members and other institutions in their curriculum.

Area of Working: Unique assisted learning system to control smart objects and living labs via visual block-based programming environments

Project Description: The idea of this project was to design, develop, implement and evaluate a visual block-based programming environment that could be used in introductory programming courses and workshops. The programming environment enabled inexperienced students and novice programmers to program smart environments, micro-controllers, and mobile robots one at a time and in combination with each other. To this end, we took advantage of the Google Blockly library to develop the programming environment.
In this project, the starting point was to produce a unique visual block-based programming environment, including a frontend, middleware, and backend, which can work based on Open Home Automation Bus (OpenHAB), Arduino Code, and Robot Operating System (ROS). This programming environment (which is called BEESM) allowed application developers and educators to synchronize their desire backend system with the environment’s frontend having minimal changes in the middleware. Furthermore, the programming environment was employed in several introductory programming courses and workshops. This environment was evaluated using inexperienced students and novice programmers in order to find out how their programming skills and attitudes towards programming are influenced over time.

Area of Working: Visualization of Bremen Ambient Assisted Living Lab (BAALL)

Project Description: The idea of this project was to virtualize the Bremen Ambient Assisted Living Lab (BAALL). To this end, we took advantage of photogrammetric methods. Thus, the starting point was to take a set of appropriate photographs from the BAALL and then reconstruct the geometry and texture of the BAALL's interior. In the next step, reconstruction errors like holes, peek, etc. were eliminated. Finally, dynamic objects (e.g., doors) were segmented from the static geometry mesh, and so the 3D-model could be dynamic and interactive.

Hardware Equipment for Software Engineering Lab at TU/e: The project has received approval for funding from the TU/e Education Innovation Funds 2023, and a grant of 32,230 EUR has been designated for the acquisition of hardware equipment, such as TurtleBots 3, laptops, and robot arms

An Integrated Learning Infrastructure to Support Programming Education: The project has obtained funding approval from 4TU-NIRICS, with a designated amount of 50,000 EUR for a duration of 10 months. This funding is intended for the recruitment of an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) candidate who will be engaged in two projects, namely SABER and CUBUN.

A Learning Ecosystem to Support Python Programming Education: The project has secured funding from the TU/e Education Innovation Funds for the year 2023. An allocated amount of 222,300.43 EUR is sought for a three-year duration to hire an engineer dedicated to educational projects within the Mathematics and Computer Science department.

NOLAI | Nationaal OnderwijsLab AI: AI Aiding the Q&A Process in Computer Science Courses for Secondary School Students: The project has received funding approval from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), with a grant of 296,576.00 EUR. Of this total, 90,000 EUR is allocated to the SET Cluster within the M&CS department at TU/e for a three-year period, as one of the project's key contributors.