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Factors Forecasting The Effect Of Rapid Prototyping Technologies On Engineering Design Education., Jeffrey Dale Mather

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents information gathered and analyzed through an electronic internet-based Delphi Survey process. The purpose of this study is to identify a consensus of factors that might forecast the future effects of Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology on engineering design education when used for the purpose of overcoming the limitations of 2D representation of 3D space. The identification of consensus was developed from the collection of opinions from a panel of experts in RP technology.

Early adopters of emerging technologies can reduce risk through careful research, but decisions must often be made before significant quantitative data are available. Expert subjective …

Designers' Perceptions Of Interdisciplinary Design Education., Timothy D. Dolan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The perceived value of interdisciplinary design among designers and the application of the design process was investigated. The research was designed to determine if interdisciplinary design was perceived to be beneficial to practitioners and educators. An 11-item survey was produced by the researcher and consisted of general demographic information, undergraduate education and training, and the benefits of interdisciplinary design. The sample was composed of representatives of the top 100 interior design firms of 2003 and members of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). Respondents indicated training in Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Industrial/Product Design, with Architecture and Interior Design …

The Curricular Practices Of Early Childhood Teachers Working In Public Sschool Primary Grades., Elizabeth Ely Brading

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the curricular practices or thinking of early childhood teachers attempting to use developmentally appropriate practices in public school primary grades. The purpose of this study was to investigate four primary grade teachers' thoughts and classroom practices, through observation, interviews, and classroom schedules. Data were analyzed following the procedures for open, axial, and selective coding as explained by Strauss (1987). All four teachers exhibited common elements: educational beliefs consistent with those of the National Association for the Education of Young Children; frustration with their school's curriculum; and the combination of a rich pattern of guidance strategies in …