Simulation is a powerful tool in developing and troubleshooting manufacturing processes, particularly when considering process flows for manufacturing systems that do not yet exist. Simulation can bridge the gap in terms of setting up full-scale manufacturing for nanotechnology products if limited production experience is an issue. An effective…

At Iowa State University, industrial technology students participate in learning communities that include an introductory course; out-of-class activities; peer, faculty, and industrial mentors; and holistic assessment. Although worthwhile, learning communities require significant time and resources, and better technology-related holistic measures…

The nature and assessment of education is changing significantly, and the assessment trajectory is away from sole reliance on the traditional perspective of student grades. Technology faculty must respond to the changing requirements of student assessment and ensure that graduates of the program meet both the expectations and standards of the…

The process used by the National Association of Industrial Technology to develop a certification examination included a Delphi panel, validation of the prototype, and pretest with 311 examinees. Remaining issues in development of the test include item analysis. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

Advocates alternatives to lectures for developing hands-on, interdisciplinary industrial technology practitioners. Discusses the efficacy of contextual methods such as cooperative, cross-functional, and experiential learning. (Contains 24 references.) (SK)

A learning community is a relatively old phenomenon that has resurfaced; it is making educators at institutions of higher education stand up and take notice. Grounded in collaborative and cooperative learning theories, learning communities have created environments in which student learning is the center of attention. The social construction of…