Because of the impetus on how to improve productivity in companies, the demand for graduating industrial engineers continues to be strong from a variety of sources. Starting salary offers for graduates have been averaging $26,784. Enrollments in industrial engineering programs are increasing (with 3,923 graduates in 1984). (JN)

Despite falling prices and more varied applications, the diffusion of industrial robots is taking place at a slower pace than expected. There are not only technical snags but also social barriers to be overcome--displacement of workers, deskilling of certain operations, and changes in work methods. (Author/CT)

This paper presents a call for development of a robotic extension of self to give handicapped students control of the environment, a logical offshoot of mainstreaming. Usefulness and performance requirements of a robotic extension are discussed and a research agenda presented. (MT)

A series of articles looks at computerization and unions in Australia, France, and India; bargaining agreements about technological innovation in India, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and the effects of technology on the labor force in the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan, and the United States. (SK)

Introduces a project for elementary school students in which students build a robot by following instructions and then write a computer program to run their robot by using LabView graphical development software. Uses ROBOLAB curriculum which is designed for grade levels K-12. (YDS)

This collection development article presents an annotated bibliography that includes materials on the rapidly changing field of robotics and how to build robots. Includes considering users' skill levels; basic electronics for beginners; combat robots; periodicals; and Web Sites. (LRW)

A study of 46 Israeli high school students' graduation projects involving robot design focused on engineering knowledge and skills needed, learning through reflective practice, and individual assessment of learning. Analysis of teacher logbooks and student portfolios indicated that all students completed projects, were motivated, devoted extra…

At the Oakland Technical Center, which provides vocational programs for nine Michigan high schools, a one-semester course in Foundations of Technology Systems uses a computer-simulated manufacturing environment to teach applied math, science, language arts, communication skills, problem solving, and teamwork in the context of technology education.…

Described is a project in which an unmanned aircraft, called Perseus, is used to sample and investigate the atmosphere of the earth. The history of the project, costs, and planned investigations are discussed. (CW)

Describes an interdisciplinary unit on robotics that includes teaching parts of a circle, constructing and programming robots, and incorporating language arts. (JOW)

Despite the growing popularity of robotics competitions such as FIRST LEGO League, robotics activities are typically not found in regular K-12 classrooms. We speculate that, among other reasons, limited adoption is due to the lack of empirical evidence demonstrating the effect of robotics activities on curricular goals. This paper presents a mixed…

Researchers argue that teachers' beliefs are the final barrier that prevents technology integration. To affect change in teacher candidates' beliefs of technology integration, we created a pedagogical laboratory as well as a field experience program that operates within the pedagogical laboratory. This article presents a qualitative study of…

This article describes how Lego robotics, interactive multimedia, and a simple manipulative--string--can be offered to students through coordinated activities to help them build a conceptual foundation for measuring rate. (Contains 5 figures and 3 tables.)

The theme of the 38th meeting of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME 38) and the 36th meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME-NA 36) was "Mathematics Education at the Edge." Academically, the theme provides opportunities to highlight and examine…

This paper presents the results of a project in robotics education that included: (1) designing a mobile robot--the Personal Instructional Robot-1 (PIR-1); (2) providing a guide to the purchase and assembly of necessary parts; (3) providing a way to interface the robot with common classroom microcomputers; and (4) providing a language by which the…