EVALUATION OF IT-BASED ACTIVE LEARNING PROJECT AT THE

Technology is a recognized part of the overall tools for supporting and enhancing teaching and learning. Many colleges and universities have responded by adapting technology in their education system. There is substantial evidence that using technology as an instructional tool enhances student learning and educational outcomes. The college of Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University launched its IT-based active learning (Laptop) project at the first semester of the academic year 2002-2003. After several years of implementation and substantial investment, the College of Engineering is reviewing its course development technology strategy and is asking a very important question such as, “Did our investment in technology result in enhanced learning outcomes and promote the new, learner-centered pedagogy or did it have little impact on learning?”. The work presented in this paper is the outcome of a collaborative work of the "Laptop Project Review Committee " members. The committee developed two surveys, one for students and one for instructors. The surveys then were distributed to students and faculty members at the college. Many lessons have been learned about the benefits and difficulties in being a laptop college of engineering. These lessons are documented in this paper