Title: Evaluation of high-altitude balloons as a learning technology

Authors: Jeremy Straub

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, University of North Dakota, 3950 Campus Road, Stop 9015, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA

Abstract: The utility of high-altitude balloons as a learning technology to facilitate education in several disciplines is considered in this paper. The role that a high-altitude balloon can play as a learning technology is discussed and its utility in this role is considered. The need for a formal design framework for high-altitude ballooning is also discussed. A framework for the assessment of high-altitude ballooning in supporting an undergraduate-level course is evaluated and an assessment using this framework is conducted. The paper concludes with a discussion of techniques that can be used to broaden access to high-altitude ballooning in education.

Keywords: high-altitude ballooning; near-space exploration; aerospace engineering education; high-altitude balloons; learning technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2015.069451

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2015 Vol.10 No.1, pp.94 - 110

Published online: 16 May 2015 *

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