Describes the successive stages of the School of Aeronautical Engineering of Madrid, Spain, in terms of entry requirements, curricula guidelines, options or specialties, duration of studies, and number of graduates. Also includes a description of the Spanish aeronautical industry and its evolution. (Author/PVD)

Presents a method, based on a human factors approach, for helping individuals choose training in a new text technology that suits them. Offers a self-assessment questionnaire ranking preferences among firms, industries, techniques, roles, purposes for writing; then matches those preferences to typical expectations for each of several new text…

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…

Explains an approach to teaching dimensional analysis that differs slightly from the traditional approach. The difference lies in the novelty of exposition in the presentation and interpretation of dimensional analysis as a speculative process. (DDR)

Argues for more adequate preparation of future engineers and researchers in the effective use of statistical methods in the areas of product development and improvement as well as in scientific research. Supports the view that educators must respond to the needs of industry. (DDR)

Provides details of a course that introduces chemical engineering students to a variety of spreadsheet applications. The course is taken concurrently with stoichiometry and introduces statistical analysis, probability, reliability, and quality control. (DDR)

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)

Contains an overview of biomaterials, an interdisciplinary field in which research combines medicine, biological sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Biomaterials are substances which improve quality of life by augmenting or replacing bodily tissues or functions. Highlights problems associated with collection development and literature…

This article uses the example of a single training course to show how to incorporate human factors into the interactive multimedia courseware development process. Three types of testing to identify human factors issues in courseware are discussed: usability testing, pilot testing, and field testing. (Author/LRW)

The University of Bath (England), a small university awarded its charter just 30 years ago, hired an American vice-chancellor to bring it into the top ranks of research institutions. The university, hit hard by British higher education cuts in 1981, has created a niche for itself in the sciences and engineering. An evaluation of research at 191…

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…

In designing schools, planners must use the criteria of health and safety, performance, comfort, and aesthetics to create a humanized physical environment that stimulates interest and provides motivation for learning and teaching. The human factors in design are sense of place, ownership, community, presence comfort, security, aesthetics,…

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)