Department of Physical Sciences, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)
Contents
Meru University of Science and Technology
Executive Summary
The overall objective is to establish a Raspberry Pi teaching Laboratory in Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). To achieve this a minimum of three computational units will be used to pilot the use of Raspberry Pi in teaching. Instructional manuals for teaching these units using Raspberry Pi will be developed and provided to the students. Student learning outcomes will be assessed throughout the semester. Publications regarding novel findings observed in the pilot stage will be presented in a refereed conference. Prior to the grant the university had already acquired a number of Raspberry Pi units and its accessories, developed exhibits of how Raspberry Pi can be used for teaching computer related courses in schools and showcased the projects in Commission for University Education exhibitions and ASK shows. Work is also in progress to develop a security surveillance system and an electronic device for early detection of crop diseases and other plant stress using Raspberry Pi. Upon successful completion of the pilot stage the university will upscale the use of Raspberry Pi in teaching more courses and launch a campaign for popularizing the adoption of Raspberry Pi in teaching computer related course in tertiary institutions of learning, secondary and primary schools within the environs of the university.
Team Members
- Mr. Daniel Maitethia Memeu - Department of Physical Sciences - Lead Researcher
- Mr. Ronoh Wycliffe – Department of Information Technology & Computer Science - Team member
- Mr. Abkul Orto - Department of Information Technology & Computer Science - Team member
- Mr. Kinuthia Mugi – Department of Engineering - Team member
Methodology of Implementation and Assessment
The University currently has four teaching computer laboratories fully connected to the internet. One of these computer labs will be used to establish a Raspberry pi based teaching laboratory. Facilities such as computer monitors, USB keyboards and mice, internet connectivity and computer desks will be shared by the existing PCs and the Raspberry Pi modules to be acquired. A suitable mode of embedding the Raspberry Pi modules in the system unit will be adopted.
