Topology optimization (TO) has been a useful engineering tool over the last decades. The benefits of this optimization method are several, such as the material and cost savings, the design inspiration, and the robustness of the final products. In addition, there are educational benefits. TO is a combination of mathematics, design, statics, and the…

Meta-aesthetics is the aesthetic field relating to the images of products where the conversion value, separate from the product's function, takes part directly in its value. Meta-aesthetics is among the subjects that today's art and design world must address more sensitively. This study was based on a 2009 dissertation measuring university…

The motivation of students is regarded as one of the problems in the higher education. One of the reasons for the increasing number of students with low-level of motivation is that there are many students enrolling in universities without adequate level of preparation. Consequently, because of complex material delivered to students and their low…

Objectives of a project-oriented mechanical engineering course, Engineering Design, were achieved through a design project, where students designed, built and demonstrated an extreme version of a basic Theo Jansen device. Through this project, junior students in the University of Louisiana fully developed the capability of applying mathematic and…

Current e-learning forms are commonly based on improving the learning process through the enhancement of certain skills in students, such as collaborative, competitive or problem-based learning. However, it seems that there is still no e-learning "formula" that gathers the implementation of a number of more generic educational principles in a…

Technology and engineering education students responded to a survey regarding hands-on and hands-off activities. First, the students listed hands-on and hands-off activities and what characterized the two types of activities. Activities such as building or assembling something as well as working manually with tools were viewed as hands-on. Passive…

Three treatments were conducted with 57 computer-assisted design students: students worked individually as instructors presented new commands, a second group worked cooperatively, and a third combined individual and cooperative approaches. No significant differences were found in achievement or attitudes. Cooperative learning may enable more…

The effects of the integration of art and science through instruction in computer art graphics on learning geology were studied with 53 college students and 189 comparisons in the same geology class. Results indicate that building representations of scientific concepts through computer art may improve students' achievement. (SLD)

This report addresses the barriers college students with disabilities face in the laboratory setting. In engineering, mathematics, and science education most courses require laboratory work which may pose challenges to those with disabilities. Instructors should be aware of the individual needs of students with disabilities and make necessary…