Engineering Education Commons^™

Evaluation Of Robocode As A Teaching Tool For Computer Programming, Arnold Hensman

Conference Papers

Robocode began as an educational tool to aid in learning Java programming. It has since evolved into something of a phenomenon, as the prospect of creating simple to complex virtual tanks appears to pose an attractive challenge to both novice and expert programmers alike. What started out as a teaching tool has grown into a worldwide network of competitors, all keen to prove that their ‘bot’ stands out from the crowd. Competitions are well organised and many Robocode events are a PR dream for the computing companies that sponsor them. Without a doubt, this easy to use application has sparked …

Ole Miss Engineer 2007

Ole Miss Engineer

No abstract provided.

Introducing New Engineering Students To Mechanical Concepts Through An “Energy Cube” Project, Micheal P. O'Flaherty, Shannon Chance, Fionnuala Farrell, Chris Montague

Shannon M. Chance

The objective of this paper is to describe a problem based learning module, called the “Energy Cube”, offered by Dublin Institute of Technology that is designed to teach mechanical, building services and manufacturing engineering concepts to first year engineering students. The Energy Cube project gives students hands-on experience in areas ranging from heat transfer, lighting and energy efficiency to industrial and product design. In the Energy Cube, students design and construct (using cardboard, clear plastic, and glue) a model of a building that admits as much daylight as possible while being energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The students, working in …

Encouraging Lifelong Learning For Engineering Management Undergraduates, Susan L. Murray, Stephen A. Raper

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The current ABET guidelines place an emphasis on life-long learning for our undergraduate students. What is life-long learning? How can we encourage students to consider global issues, current events, or even anything "that isn't going to be on the next test"? In this paper we present survey results evaluating habits of undergraduate students entering an engineering management program and seniors related to life-long learning including attending professional society meetings, reading trade publications, reading business related books, and other learning outside of the classroom activities. This paper also presents a two semester effort to increase life-long learning activities among undergraduate engineering …

The Current Generation Of Integrated Engineering Curriculum, Michael A. Collura, Samuel Bogan Daniels, Jean Nocito-Gobel, David Harding

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

In September of 2004 our university adopted the Multidisciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral Curriculum as the basis for disciplinary engineering programs in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and General Engineering. The curriculum includes a sequence of first and second year engineering courses, matched closely with the development of students’ mathematical sophistication and analytical capabilities and integrated with course work in the sciences. Students develop a conceptual understanding of engineering basics in this series of courses which stress practical applications of these principles. The new curriculum was designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary perspective while developing basic engineering skills and fostering an …

Prime Modules: Teaching Introduction To Materials Engineering In The Context Of Modern Technologies, Stacy Gleixner, Elliot Douglas, Olivia Graeve

Faculty Publications

This paper discusses the progress of curriculum development under an NSF, CCLI-EMD sponsored work, “Development of Project-Based Introductory to Materials Engineering Modules” (DUE # #0341633). A multi-university team of faculty is developing five lecture modules for use in Introductory to Materials courses. This course is required by most engineering programs in the U.S., with an annual enrollment of 50,000 students. This freshman/ sophomore class is an ideal place to excite students about their engineering majors and expose them to real world engineering experiences. PRIME Modules are being developed that teach the fundamentals of a traditional introduction to materials engineering course …

Civil And Mechanical Engineering Students Learning Mechanics In A Multidisciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral, Jean Nocito-Gobel, Gregory Broderick, Samuel Bogan Daniels, Michael Collura, Richard Stanley

Engineering and Applied Science Education Faculty Publications

This paper describes how mechanical and civil engineering students are introduced to and develop an understanding of mechanics concepts through a sequence of integrated courses as part of a new curriculum taken during the freshman and sophomore years. The Multi- Disciplinary Engineering Foundation Spiral is a four-semester sequence of engineering courses, matched closely with the development of students’ mathematical sophistication and analytical capabilities and integrated with course work in the sciences. Students develop a conceptual understanding of engineering basics in this series of courses, which stress practical applications of these principles. Mechanics concepts are introduced in a pair of first …

Implementation Of A Mems Laboratory Course With Modular, Multidisciplinary Team Projects, John Lee, Stacy H. Gleixner, Tai-Ran Hsu, David W. Parent

David W. Parent

This paper presents the implementation and outcomes of a hands-on laboratory course in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), co-developed by a multidisciplinary team of faculty from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials engineering. Central to the design of the course is an emphasis on implementing modules that are able to overcome critical barriers related to (1) diverse academic background from different majors and (2) practical limitations in microfabrication facilities. These points are vital for promoting MEMS education, because they expand the student pool and reach audiences that need a cost-effective way to support instructional laboratory experiences in MEMS without the broader infrastructure …

An Integrated Living And Learning Community For First And Second Year Undergraduate Women In Science & Engineering, Katherine Titus-Becker, Sarah A. Rajala, Laura Bottomley, Dianne Raubenheimer, Jo-Ann Cohen, Kala Bullett, Susan Grant, Fay Cobb Payton, Barbara Kirby, Adrianna Kirkman, Wendy Krause, Carrie Thomas

Sarah A. Rajala

The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Village combines a group living experience with resident, upper-class mentors who assist in the transition to university life. Programs for the WISE community are designed to promote academic success, foster the formation of lasting relationships with fellow students, professors and mentors, and provide out-of-classroom experiences. The WISE Village is a supportive environment in which women engage in focused inquiry within their disciplines and develop the skills and talents necessary to become successful students and professionals in STEM fields. When the WISE Village began in 2003, it was as a partnership with University Housing, …

The Development Of Undergraduate Distance Education Engineering Programs In North Carolina, Sarah A. Rajala, Tom Miller

Sarah A. Rajala

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University has a strong track record in providing distance education to the citizens in North Carolina through credit-based courses and degree programs. To provide increased access to engineering education on the undergraduate level and enhance the success of the student transfer population, the College of Engineering developed two new 2+2 engineering programs and a distance education bachelor of science in engineering program. The 2+2 programs are designed to provide students enrolled at institutions without engineering programs the opportunity to take some of the fundamental engineering courses in addition to their general education …

Simulation As A Means To Infuse Manufacturing Education With Statistics And Doe—A Case Study Using Injection Molding, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Jerry Visser

Kurt A. Rosentrater

Modern manufacturing systems continue to evolve and in so doing can produce many unique products using both traditional as well as novel raw materials. This is especially true in the processing of plastic products. In these environments, there is the need to critically examine material compatibility and to optimize methods of manufacture to realize economic success. Key to these endeavors is the ability to conduct product development efforts in a logical fashion. Experimentation is an important component to this process. Graduates of manufacturing engineering and technology programs should thus have knowledge of formal Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical procedures. …

Partnership In Undergraduate Research Experience, Jerry Visser, Kurt A. Rosentrater

Kurt A. Rosentrater

Practical laboratory and work experience has been helpful in reinforcing the undergraduate educational experience. With limited resources, individual organizations may struggle to give a student a well rounded opportunity. Most undergraduates work within internships or cooperative educational frameworks with one entity. At South Dakota State University, the Product Development Center (PDC) has initiated a collaborative research project with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Brookings for the benefit of undergraduate students. This collaborative framework with the United States Department of Agriculture ARS grows from three key aspects. First, the students at both the ARS and the PDC exchange concepts …

Assessment Of Labview And Multisim In The Delivery Of Electronics Laboratory Content, Julio Garcia, Patricia Backer

Faculty Publications

The goal of this study, funded by the National Science Foundation, was to adapt the work of other researchers to improve the delivery of electronics lecture and laboratory content in the Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT) area. From the extensive research on ethnic and gender differences in learning styles, the evidence suggests that ethnic minorities and women work best when the material is organized so that students work in teams and have a high level of hands-on experimentation and problem-solving. We developed our materials to maximize these aspects since in our institution the “minority” constitutes the majority of our student …

Technology And Gender Issues: Development And Assessment Of A Freshman General Education Course In The College Of Engineering, Patricia Backer

Faculty Publications

This class, Technology VS Women, explores the interaction of gender with technology and answers questions such as: Is technology a “male” science? Is modern technology compatible to both male and female users? What does history tell us about the role of women at work relating to technology? The ideas presented in this course challenges some commonly held myths and misconceptions about technology in our society. This course focuses on the technological changes since 1900 and how they have affected both men and women. The effect of cultural biases and perspectives on the working and educational environments also are addressed. This …

Assessment Of Multi Media & Web Based Instruction In A Science Technology & Society Course, Patricia Backer

Faculty Publications

Multimedia can be a powerful tool in exploring the nature of the world around us, including its technological systems. This paper describes the assessment of self-paced multimedia and web- based modules that are used in an advanced General Education (GE) course in the College of Engineering at San José State University. The development of these modules began in 1994 and has undergone many revisions. Currently, four of the seven units in this class are taught using either multimedia CDs or web-based material.The General Education course, Technology and Civilization (TECH 198), is designed to introduce students to the realm of history …

Global Technology Initiative Study Tour To Asia At San Jose State University, Belle Wei, Jacob Tsao

Faculty Publications

Prompted by the outsourcing of knowledge-based jobs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere in the U.S. and by the resulting necessity for students to adapt to and capitalize on the global economy, the College of Engineering at San Jose State University established a one-million dollar Global Technology Initiative (GTI) Study Program to provide American students with a global perspective and understanding of the issues. The initiative has sponsored an annual program study tour for 25 undergraduate students on a two-week all-expense-paid study tour to Taiwan and China during the summers of 2004, 2005 and 2006. We reported our 2004 experience at …

Year Three Annual Report: Activities, Findings And Evaluators' Reports, Ncete Faculty

Reports to NSF

The Center continues to strengthen the research climate across the institutional settings. A number of activities have been directed at this effort: internal funding of small student and faculty research projects; development of an internal funding process for doctoral student research; and presentations by researchers at Center meetings and professional conferences. The internal research program has been successful in providing relatively non-threatening experiences with proposal preparation, review, negotiation, and the conduct of small research projects. Six proposals were funded for exploratory research projects in 2005-06 and five projects were funded in 2006-07. As these projects are completed, findings are shared …

A General Engineering Technology Program In Motorsports Technology, Gary Crossman, Anthony Dean

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Southside Virginia, in particular the cities of Danville, Martinsville and the surrounding area, is the home of Virginia International Raceway and a rapidly growing motorsports industry. There is a strong need for educational opportunities to support manufacturing and related industries in this region. In the early 2000’s Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville established an associate of applied science degree in Motorsports Technology to help meet the need for technical support personnel. As the industry has grown it has become evident that engineers and technologists are needed at the baccalaureate and masters levels. Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, …

A Hybrid First Year Science Course For Engineering Students – Integrating Biology With Chemistry, David Harding, Pauline Schwartz, Jean Nocito-Gobel, Agamemnon Koutsospyros

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Biology is playing an increasingly important role in many engineering fields. With the typical engineering program already having a high credit hour requirement, the question becomes, how to best integrate biology concepts into a packed engineering curriculum. A typical biology course is not likely to introduce the important concepts of biology to engineering students. The solution here is to develop a hybrid course that integrates chemistry and biology. In the course, Chemistry with Applications to Biosystems, the concept is to develop a course that integrally links important concepts of chemistry and biology. The course focuses on the areas of biology …

Using Basic Computer Aided Drafting And Design Courses At The Freshman Level To Improve Technology Students Competitiveness In Obtaining Early Academic Career Internships, Anthony Dean, Mustafa Moustafa, Julie Moustafa

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Many students have the desire to have internships and part-time employment during their academic careers. Often students in their freshman and sophomore years in four year engineering and technology programs find it difficult to be competitive against more senior students for these positions. This paper discusses how students, in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program at ________________University, through taking CAD and Solid Modeling courses early in their academic careers are well suited to be competitive in obtaining internships and part time employment. This paper discusses the MET programs first two years’ curriculum and how it prepares the students to enter …

Continuous Improvement In Engineering Education Through Effective Value For Money Audits, Razimah Abdullah, Rozeha A Rashid, Mazlina Esa, Sadruddin Mohd Saidfudin

Razimah Abdullah

Ole Miss Engineer 2007

Ole Miss Engineer

No abstract provided.

A New Course To Teach Microcontrollers And Embedded Networking To Biosystems And Agricultural Engineers, Matthew J. Darr, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Scott A. Shearer, Richard S. Gates

Matthew J. Darr

One of the fundamental skills required of biosystems and agricultural engineers is an ability to interact with systems that affect the production and processing of biological materials. This involves monitoring and controlling parameters within complex biological systems. Also, there is often a need to link multiple systems over a network to allow control and feedback data to be shared at several points. These monitoring systems and more sophisticated embedded networks are enhancing the ability of biosystems and agricultural engineers to solve problems by facilitating real-time data collection and enabling control actions. The use of microcontrollers in industry applications is growing …

Enhancing Student Learning In Engineering Technology Programs? A Case For Physical Simulations, Alok Verma

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Physical simulations have a proven record as a teaching tool. Concepts that are often hard to grasp are made easy by the use of physical simulation activities. The constructivism learning theory suggests that people learn better by actively participating in the process of learning. According to the Encyclopedia of Educational Technology, "Simulation-based learning involves the placement of a student into a realistic scenario or situation. The student is then responsible for any changes that occur as a result of their decisions." A number of physical simulation based tools have been developed by the author for use as instructional tools to …

The Case Method: Using Case Based Instruction To Increase Ethical Understanding In Engineering Courses, Brock Barry, Aman Yadav

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

The case method: Using case-based instruction to increase ethical understanding in engineering courses Introduction

The paper presents a discussion of how case-based instruction is performed and the perceived benefits of its application. We begin with a brief discussion of the historical background of case- based instruction and then discuss the use of case methodologies within various educational contexts. Connections are then made to its use in general ethics instruction, as well as specifically engineering ethics instruction. Finally, we conclude the paper with a call for rigorous education research to compare the various methods of ethics instruction, including case-based instruction, and …

Training For Adjunct Faculty, Ronald Welch, Allen Estes, Carol Considine

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Professor, teacher, instructor, faculty member –all are cherished and incredibly important titles at any university. At the same time, every full-time faculty member knows that it took time to become a good teacher and that training and mentoring shortens the required train-up period. Members of the Civil Engineering Department Heads Council Executive Committee (DHCEC) have indicated that the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) ExCEEd Teaching Workshop is a must have tool for developing new faculty. So why do we thrust a syllabus into the hands of adjunct faculty and wish them well – while it appears that some type …

Identifying University Minors To Support The Construction Specialization Area Within A Civil Engineering Technology Program, Vernon Lewis, Carol Considine

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Construction programs at many universities are diversified and provide students with opportunities to examine topic areas that include mechanical and electrical systems, safety, business administration, residential construction, real estate, and management. It is impossible for small civil engineering technology programs with a construction emphasis to encompass all of these expertise areas. As industry looks for students with a knowledge base in these areas, it is incumbent upon programs to find avenues to provide these educational opportunities to their students.

To meet the upper division general education requirements for Old Dominion University, students must have either a minor, second major or …

Curricular Value And Instructional Needs For Infusing Engineering Design Into K-12 Technology Education, David K. Gattie, Robert C. Wicklein

Publications

An overarching objective of Technology Education in the U.S. is to improve technological literacy among K-12 students (DeVore, 1964; Savage and Sterry, 1990; International Technology Education Association, 1996, 2000, 2003). This is addressed in part through a focus on end-product technology and the use and importance of various technologies in society (Savage and Sterry, 1990). While such a focus is certainly necessary, it may not be sufficient if the objective is to infuse engineering into the technology education field. Current efforts at the University of Georgia propose adjusting the focus of Technology Education to a defined emphasis on engineering design …

Resources: Student Friendly Modeling Materials, Todd R. Kelley, Jared Berrett

Publications

The article presents cost-effective materials for elementary classrooms that allow students to create models. These materials include card stock, clay, cable or zips ties, fasteners and bolts, and commercially manufactured building kits such as LEGOs, Erector Sets, Tinkertoys and K'Nex. In addition, the author asserts the importance of using such materials in promoting student learning of technology and engineering.

Critical Features Of Engineering Design In Technology Education, Paul A. Asunda, Roger Hill

Publications

The purpose of this study was to find critical features of engineering design that can be incorporated within technology education learning activities, and develop a rubric for assessing these features. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three professors actively involved in engineering education. Supporting documents such as engineering design course outlines and rubrics were also examined. Using a phenomenological approach, this study identified the concept of engineering design, key features of the engineering design process, and critical elements that should be assessed in an engineering design activity in the context of technology education. A key product of the study …