The United States needs a skilled, productive work force. The science of human performance technology can be applied to the establishment of performance improvement systems in organizations. (Author)

Describes a class project to design a better and safer woodworking tool using computer-assisted design. (SK)

Presents examples using biotechnology applications to clarify topics in genetics, such as DNA replication, gene segregation and polar bodies, multiple alleles, and antisense sequences. (MKR)

Compares and contrasts attitudes toward the Internet of people in composition, technical communication, and rhetoric with those of people in engineering, who tend to be reluctant to use the Internet as an idea-sharing open communication channel. Notes the dilemma this creates for the technical writing instructor. (SR)

Biotechnology, the study and application of engineering and science to improve the quality of life, can be an integral part of technology education. Numerous project ideas exist to expose students to the career possibilities of this field. (SK)

Although the demand for electrical, defense, and computer science engineers has dropped sharply, opportunities exist for Hispanics in computer communication and integration, miniaturization of electronic components, environmental, and genetic and biomedical engineering. Engineers should diversify their skills to adapt to the changing field. (KS)

Although job opportunities in engineering have diminished, Hispanic college students with high scholastic achievement, the ability to problem solve, the ability to work as part of a team, and flexibility have a good chance of being hired. Highlights the experiences of several Hispanic students and the support available for them through Hispanic…

Describes the development of a thesaurus for indexing the databases of Engineering Information, Inc., that improved the former precoordinate indexing vocabulary with postcoordinate descriptors and an appropriate set of thesaurus relationships. Problems of incompatibility with old indexing are addressed, and the use of an outside consultant versus…

This learning activity develops algorithms to ensure that the process of selecting materials is well defined and sound. These procedures require the use of many databases to provide the designer with information such as physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the materials under consideration. A design brief, student quiz, and five…

Discussion of the relationship between the academic computing community and the practitioner community focuses on the possible separation of software engineering as a distinct discipline from computer science. Relationships between the content of software engineering and the content of computing are examined, and implications for computer science…

Comparison of 370 engineering co-op graduates with 1,037 nonco-op engineering graduates showed that co-op participants had higher starting salaries; 5 or fewer terms of co-op had better effects. Women, especially electrical, mechanical, or chemical majors, had substantially better salaries with co-op experience. (SK)

Since 1975, periodic surveys of Women in Engineering Programs (WIEP) have revealed increases in scope of activities, meaning number, proportion and range of events set up for women in engineering. Findings showed that number of WIEP activities and number of women students were positively and significantly related to percentage of women receiving…

Describes four alternative kinds of knowledge that differ from the mainstream concept of scientific knowledge. Argues that science, engineering, and bureaucratic institutions, under a common model of reality, often ignore and suppress these insightful kinds of knowledge. (Author)

Offers a unit of laboratory instruction for a general technology class that looks at ergonomics--the engineering science that seeks to prevent disorders caused by uncomfortable or stressful working conditions. The activity involves the measurement of body motions. (JOW)

Survey of 25 British civil engineering firms revealed informal and unstructured learning systems, limiting designers' opportunity to gain feedback about their designs. A more systematic learning culture was recommended for project-based industries such as construction. (SK)