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TRAK: A Mobile/Web STEM Teaching Material Tracking System. Juan Huertas Fernandez | tue89164@temple.edu Justin Shi | shi@temple.edu Doug Baird | dbaird@temple.edu Temple University Computer & Information Sciences & TUteach. STEM Instructional Materials.
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TRAK: A Mobile/Web STEM Teaching Material Tracking System Juan Huertas Fernandez | tue89164@temple.edu Justin Shi | shi@temple.edu Doug Baird | dbaird@temple.edu Temple University Computer & Information Sciences & TUteach
STEM Instructional Materials • Inquiry-based STEM instruction requires a large inventory of instructional materials. • Problems • What do we have and where is it stored? • Keeping track of what’s in and what’s being used by whom • When do we need to order more disposable items?
Developing a materials Management system • Tried to use an off the shelf bar-code system—never got it to work properly • Approached computer science faculty who teach computer science project courses---could a student develop a materials management system? • Dr. Justin Shi: Yes! • Met regularly with Justin, Juan and TUteach Staff. Discussed how the system should work.
Specifications for Trak system • Web-based • Real-time updating of inventory with reporting capabilities • Identify items via QR codes that can be read by mobile devices: items might be returned and online inventory updated even in storage room, away from a computer. • Sign-out items to users via ID card swipe • Students requests items at their computer or mobile device • Instructor notified by email, reviews, approves, or modifies request • Studio receives requests via web app, alerts students when items are ready via text message or email
Proposed Solution • Web/Mobile portal with emphasis on Web (HTML5 + CSS3 + Javascript + PHP + MySQL + PhoneGap) • Use scanner and camera for inventory management • One undergraduate + one faculty + a ton of collaboration with TUteach folks
Dynamic User Interface • A single UI with context-sensitive dynamic controls • Multiple data capture points
Demonstration of Trak • Role playing: how do students use TRAK to request, sign-out and return items when practice teaching?
Impact on Computer Science Students • Mobile/Web programming students are eager to solve real world problems • Multiple independent studies (from Fall 2013-Summer 2014) • Improved skill sets -> new features for better efficiency (from Web to mobile + Web) • Contribution to the Open Source community
Sustainable Inventory management • Provide Open Source tool to Schools and Universities at No Cost • Offer Services: • Customization • Consulting • TRAK hosting
STEM Relevance • Agile tracking reduces time and material waste due to loss and damage • Effective inventory management shifts the administrative energy from “how to keep the house in order” to “how to use items more effectively” • Easily searchable, web/mobile accessible inventory will allow students & instructors to be more creative in curriculum design and make better use of existing inventory: spend less time finding/obtaining materials, more time on developing lessons
Acknowlegments • Lan Nguyen, TUteach Program Staff • CIS1052, CIS2305 and Apps and Maps Studios, Temple University • The Verizon Foundation