An animatronic robot was designed and constructed for the 2003 Annual Student Robotic Technology and Engineering Challenge organized by the Robotics International (RI) association of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). It was also the senior capstone design project for two of the design team members. After a thorough study of body and…

A problem that becomes increasingly obvious over time derives from purchasing and working with large scale, industrial type of manipulators. Primarily affected are higher level educational institutions, where manipulators are likely to be exposed to student projects that demand diversity in control strategies and various controlling software and…

Four types of measures of teaching effectiveness were developed and evaluated by a university committee; the college of engineering subsequently employed one type, delayed surveys of student opinion, and found it successful. A description of the procedure is presented, with a copy of the questionnaire and sample responses. (AJ)

The traditional mathematical 'service' courses offered to students preparing for a science or technical career are criticized. Recommended is the replacement of these courses by integrated courses which emphasize mathematical modeling and which are prepared and taught by teams of mathematicians, scientists and technologists. (JP)

To improve dwindling engineering enrollments at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), students studying under the WPI Plan are awarded the B.S. degree on the basis of demonstrated competence rather than the accumulation of a required number of perscribed courses. (Author/PG)

Uses extracts from a Learning Activity Package in basic surveying to illustrate the motivating factors found in the audio-tutorial system of instruction. (JR)

Briefly describes a number of laboratory and instructional materials that are commerically available and of interest to engineering educators. (JR)

Discusses the effectiveness of using television and radio spots to attract students' interests in engineering. Indicates that virtually all of the engineering schools reported increases in enrollment after using visual communication programs. (CC)

Discusses the industry's increasing interests in in-house continuing education of employees to avoid technical obsolescence. Included are sample courses, a description of criteria for topic selection, and a summary of the educational techniques used in continuing education programs. (CC)

This survey of engineering freshmen is the fourth of a series of five surveys seeking to determine the characteristics and attitudes of engineering students and the changes in these areas which occur as the students proceed through their first two years in engineering. Thirteen of the original sixteen schools included in the spring 1977 freshman…

This survey of engineering sophomores is the last of a series of five surveys seeking to determine the characteristics and attitudes of engineering students, and the changes in these areas which occur as the students proceed through their first two years in engineering. Fourteen of the original sixteen schools included in the fall 1975 survey were…

This paper describes the use of individualized instruction concepts in courses on structural design in undergraduate engineering programs. Areas covered include the distribution of time, unit packages, laboratory, and grading. Specific features discussed include class discussion, programmed problems, and summary units. Outcomes of such courses…

Describes a course designed to demonstrate the relationship between design, manufacturing technology, and materials engineering. The course uses a lecture-discussion and laboratory-workshop approach including an analysis of engineering case histories and several service failures. (GS)

Concludes that quantitative requirements for humanities and social science courses in engineering curricula have not significantly changed since 1968, but that the report summarized has encouraged and has resulted in interdisciplinary efforts at a number of schools. Criticizes the report for not stating objectives behaviorally and makes…

Lists authors and titles of papers presented at the Humanities-Social Science Project Workshop at the University of Virginia, 1973, and background papers, all obtainable from the American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, D.C. (See SE 512 799.) (GH)