Contemporary Access to Engineering Education and Research Using Interactive Knowledge and Modeling Techniques

Abstract

For any knowledge-intensive undertaking (such as a stream or branch), it is critical to frame its birth and growth to understand where the discipline stands and what innovative endeavors lead to the creative accomplishments currently witnessed in its knowledge products. In this research paper, we describe the research and development of a knowledge platform called Interactive Knowledge and Modeling Techniques for Engineering Education Research. This research paper mainly describes with the explicit goal to provide a mechanism to better understand the emerging field of engineering education research and, more importantly, provide members of the engineering education research community with tools and infrastructure which allow them to understand the structure and networks of knowledge within the community at any given time. Using a theoretical model that combines ultra-large-scale data mining techniques, network mapping algorithms, and time-series analysis of knowledge product evolution, we attempt to characterize and provide insights into the topology of the networks and collaborations within engineering education research.