Active learning via LEGO MINDSTORMS in Systems Engineering education

The education of Systems Engineers involves many learning aspects that cannot be taught through lecturing alone, such as how to handle unforeseen issues and establish a holistic view of a system. An educational approach is presented that allows students to experience key phases of a Systems Engineering life-cycle, from requirements and design to system realisation and test, by using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® as an active learning tool. The approach is evaluated based on student feedback and is shown to be an effective way of allowing Systems Engineering students to apply the techniques they have been taught, and equally to develop their own ways of applying Systems Engineering.