Project-based learning (PBL) is a well-known methodology for engineering design education due to a number of benefits it is claimed to offer. This paper presents the initial offering of a first-year engineering PBL unit at Griffith University in Australia. An evaluation of student perceptions of the unit revealed that students generally enjoyed…

Oral communication skills are essential for engineers today and, as they are included in accreditation criteria of educational programmes, their teaching and evaluation deserve attention. However, concrete aspects as to what should be taught and evaluated in relation to oral communication skills have not been sufficiently established. In this…

This paper presents a new laboratory-based module for embedded systems teaching, which addresses the current lack of consideration for the link between hardware development, software implementation, course content and student evaluation in a laboratory environment. The course introduces second year undergraduate students to the interface between…

As information professionals, engineering librarians have the primary responsibilities of providing access to engineering information resources and giving instruction in how to use these resources. In the case of undergraduate engineering students, this extends to building their information literacy skills, an important component in helping them…

In this article the main characteristics of the dMath project are introduced. With the mathematical modules developed within this project a new tool is made available to the different users as a support of the teaching and learning of mathematics in the context of EHEA and of the Bologna declaration. (Contains 7 figures.)

Active learning is an educational paradigm that has been reinvented and methodologically underpinned many times in order to intensify learning in various forms. This paper presents a complex approach to active learning in a design-centred academic course with international participation. Research and design were considered as vehicles of active…

Discusses areas in the undergraduate curriculum that are important due to recent technological changes (such as contributing effectively to group projects and the ability to take advantage of continuing education opportunities). Examines possible responses to these areas, focusing on the role of computers and on the mathematics curriculum. (JN)

Describes two integrated distance learning environmental engineering degree courses offered by the environmental engineering group of the Open University in Great Britain. Discusses admission requirements for courses, advantages offered by distance learning, professional accreditation, site visits, and tutors. (AIM)

Describes a system of computer assisted instruction geared primarily toward high school and university students involved in numerical analysis and optimization. Also describes (in detail) one of its modules to illustrate the general philosophy of the system. This module focuses on the simplex method. (JN)

Described are the developments of a computing environment, the general training in the use of information technology, the training of specialists in computer science and engineering, and the use of information technology as an aid in the education process at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. (RH)

This article puts forward a project approach and a set of solutions to better prepare foreign students wishing to enter engineering schools in France. It focuses on how we train students to understand scientific presentations through intensive listening comprehension. Within this framework, it proposes a new educational ICT model that is original…

Describes how a fourth-year computing elective was introduced at Monash University in 1995 with the goal of allowing students to pursue their own computing interests in a project-based subject. The course demonstrates student-directed learning and the pride resulting from such ownership. Shows how the subject can use a wide range of resources…

Presents the tools and methodologies that underlie the ARIADNE framework for enabling open and distance education and enhancing more conventional training schemes. The ARIADNE concept relies on a distributed knowledge pool system that stores pedagogically indexed educational resources. The basic approach is one of share and reuse. (AIM)

Describes the use of computer-aided design (CAD) techniques in teaching the design of electrical motors. Approaches described include three technical viewpoints, such as electromagnetics, thermal, and mechanical aspects. Provides three diagrams, a table, and conclusions. (YP)

Contends that the major use and promise of computer aided learning (CAL) lies in the provision of secondary teaching support such as simulations, interactive tutorials, and similar activities. Reviews the uses and benefits of CAL in demonstrations, experiments, exercises, and interactive tutorials. (ML)