Innovative Learning During the Covid-19 Lockdown But Also Applicable Under Other Major Constraints: Harnessing Thermoelectric Materials in Hands-On Experiences Out of the Laboratory
Abstract
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational and research activities has been very significant, particularly in developing nations with limited access to virtual resources. This research, conducted in Colombia during the March 2020 lockdown and subsequent periods with restricted intercity mobility, focuses on engaging undergraduate engineering students in self-directed learning involving thermoelectric materials and their applications, fully conducted from their homes. Two case studies were investigated. The first, explored the generation of energy from extractor hoppers, using the smoke and heat produced during food cooking. The second, consisted of a feasibility analysis for energy production from chicken manure compost. The following study describes the designs and processes employed in these two cases and highlights their learning outcomes. These results not only have potential for scalable industrial applications but also offer valuable insights applicable to similar restrictive contexts around the world. Therefore, the study showed two major findings: first, it is feasible to implement for everyday processes at low costs, such as cooking; second, with the correct methodology, almost any skilled student even virtually can produce significant data and results for the sustainability of the planet.