This article presents a case scenario that may be used in system analysis and design, database management, and business analytics classes. The case document includes realistic, detailed information on the operations at the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Examples of assignments for each class and suggested reading are presented. In each…

The collection and analysis of weather data is crucial to the location of alternate energy systems like solar and wind. This article presents a design challenge that gives students a chance to design a weather station to collect data in advance of a large wind turbine installation. Data analysis is a crucial part of any science or engineering…

Linearization is a standard part of modeling and control design theory for a class of nonlinear dynamical systems taught in basic undergraduate courses. Although linearization is a straight-line methodology, it is not applied correctly by many students since they often forget to keep the operating point in mind. This paper explains the topic and…

Discusses the nature of and steps required in building an expert system. Includes comments by students given an assignment to choose a suitable topic and develop a small expert system related to that topic, as well as favorable faculty comments on the strategy. Also includes a student-developed expert system on rock-blasting. (JN)

Encourages use of case studies to introduce "real-life" engineering assignments, suggesting that they should be given in a natural order as a series. Describes three such assignments being used at the University of the West Indies. Description, analysis, and design of an existing engineering system is included. (JM)

Contingency management is a system focused on managing the motivation of students, and can be developed and utilized in any type of physical education environment from elementary to college levels. An analysis of two existing contingency management learning systems (one for a fifth-grade gymnastics unit and the other for a seventh- and eigth-grade…

Presents a general model for introducing preservice teachers to instructional technology; a key premise of this model is a view of technology as an evolving complex system. Reviews the properties of complex systems and introduces a method of instruction based on the concept of iterative exploratory practice. Discusses examples of student work in…

Troubleshooting is a common form of problem solving. Technicians (e.g., automotive mechanics, electricians) and professionals (physician, therapists, ombudspersons) diagnose faulty systems and take direct, corrective action to eliminate any faults in order to return the systems to their normal states. Traditional approaches to troubleshooting…

The described learning module is designed for teachers interested in learning how to construct a learning system to elicit specific behaviors on the part of an individual student or a group. Included in the description of this module are its contents, activities, and resources involved in its use, ordering information for materials, and a critique…

Electronics Engineering Technology majors in the Industrial and Engineering Technology department at Central Michigan University have developed many real-world projects that represent the type of problem-solving projects encouraged by industry. Two projects that can be used by other educators as freestanding projects or as the core for further…

Teams are becoming increasingly important as an organizational form, particularly in information systems (IS) development. In response to this trend, a number of educators, including IS educators, include team components as part of their course curriculum. For example, many systems analysis and design courses include a team project component. It…

A two-year research activity was undertaken to develop an individualized curriculum delivery system for competency-based vocational education. Foci of the research were the development of a theoretical framework for the delivery system; identification of components and processes of the system; and development of validated criteria to be used in…