Discusses user participation and participatory design in the context of formal education for computing professionals. Topics include the current curriculum debate; mathematical- and engineering-based education; traditional system-development training; and an example of a course program that includes computers and society, and prototyping. (53…

Describes the use of portfolios, which include student test scores, GPAs, samples of class work, and student surveys, as tools for assessing student ability and success at the Colorado School of Mines. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of portfolio assessment as well as instructional and institutional changes brought about by the evaluation…

Evaluates the importance of realism in the screen presentation of the plant in computer-based laboratory simulations for part-time engineering students. Concludes that simulations are less effective than actual laboratories but that realism minimizes the disadvantages. The schematic approach was preferred for ease of use. (AIM)

As engineering technician training developed in New South Wales in the 1950s-1960s, technical educators were marginalized by power struggles over apprentice recruitment and the complications of industrial legislation. However, educators and professional associations took a leadership role in the development of technician training in the metal…

Summarizes a research study performed to assess curriculum changes in engineering education. Discusses the implications of the various curriculum strategies and initiatives and identifies the necessary socio-technological ingredients for world-class education of engineers. (DDR)

Describes a course teaching the use of computers in emulating human visual capability and image processing and proposes an interactive presentation using multimedia technology to capture and sustain student attention. Describes the three phase presentation: introduction of image processing equipment, presentation of lecture material, and…

Describes the implementation of a new laboratory-based, interdisciplinary undergraduate course on linear dynamical systems. Focuses on geometrical methods and data visualization techniques. (Contains 20 references.) (Author/YDS)

Analyzes a simple boom structure and assesses its reliability using elementary engineering mechanics. Demonstrates the power and utility of Monte-Carlo simulation by showing that such a simulation can be implemented more readily with results that compare favorably to the theoretical calculations. (Author/MM)

Explores the integration of three factors in the lecture room that influence the function between students and society. Describes the innovation of quality in education that provides students with a work methodology in agreement with the professional world and allows continuous improvement in educational methodology. (Author/KHR)

Describes a bibliographic instruction (BI) program aimed at improving the quality of research report literature reviews of fourth year civil engineering students. Faculty and librarian collaboration is discussed, and survey results showing how students could most benefit most from BI and how the program affected their work are presented. (four…

Examined whether academic self-concept of ability is an important and significant predictor of academic success among minority and low socioeconomic college students. Findings from 98 freshman engineering students revealed that academic self-concept, rather than traditional cognitive skills, was significant predictor of academic success among…

Described is a seminar designed for graduating senior chemical engineering majors. The class structure, schedules, goals and objectives, homework assignments, course grading, and student comments are discussed. Listed are a questionnaire for evaluating mock interviews, talk topics, and job selection criteria as developed by the students. (CW)

Presents statistical data for engineering technology degrees, engineering undergraduates, and graduate degrees in 1989. Discusses trends for women, minorities, and foreign students. Includes data for many individual schools. (YP)

Describes a technique for using lecture-laboratory facilities and faculty office facilities to provide students a site for intensive laboratory exercises. Provides a layout of the lecture-laboratory facilities and energy systems of the facilities. Presents an instructional example on the concept of the natural frequency of single-degree-of-freedom…

Presented are the accreditation standards for engineering schools as developed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Discussed are various challenges presented by the standards and the need to improve engineering education. Items considered are developing a definition of a "good" engineering education, topics…