Discusses how emerging technologies enhance existing methods of learning and create new ways for institutions of higher education to fulfill their core teaching and learning missions, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Explores technology planning. (EV)

Suggests that it is important to introduce liberal arts students to the essence of engineering. Describes Robotic Design Studio, a course in which students learn how to design, assemble, and program robots made out of LEGO parts, sensors, motors, and small embedded computers. Represents an alternative vision of how robot design can be used to…

Introduces the Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme (SEAs) which aims to increase the awareness and participation of young people to science, engineering, and technology. Creates opportunities for young people to interact with working scientists and engineers to encourage them in these subjects. (YDS)

Agricultural communications students (n=330) were surveyed to determine their knowledge of and attitudes toward biotechnology issues reported in the mass media. Although students achieved only 30% correct responses, 84% perceived their knowledge level to be average to high. Most were somewhat accepting of genetic modification for plants but less…

Describes the characteristics of Hispanic U.S. citizens who earned doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from institutions in the United States between 1983 and 1997. Disaggregates data by gender and Hispanic subgroup, and includes information on parental education, type of financial assistance during time of…

Investigates 22 Hispanic students majoring in science or engineering, their career choices, and the factors that lead them to success in majors that have historically discouraged female and minority students. (Contains 59 references.) (Author/YDS)

Discussed are beach replenishment, and hard structures in relation to the sand transportation system. Failures of current engineering practices and the resulting costs to the taxpayer are stressed. Equations and parameters used to make predictions of beach durability are criticized. (CW)

Described are two national reports involving the service sector of the national economy: (1) the role which engineers play; and (2) how engineering students will benefit from careers in the service sector. (CW)

Describes a computer network developed at the School of Engineering at Rice University which links users to a supporting mainframe and other major computing facilities, and creates an electronic studio for students. Topics discussed include network planning, design, and maintenance; software and courseware used; and implications for other academic…

Discusses the application of marketing principles to a software house specializing in products for the construction industry. Concludes that service management and marketing insights are important factors for the successful growth of a company or service department. (YP)

A study surveyed noise levels in an agricultural mechanics educational laboratory while students completed common arc welds. It found that the time a student spent in the welding booth posed no threat to hearing. Maximum noise measured was well below the 140 dB(A) impulse level set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (JOW)

A study of 236 undecided students and 263 pre-engineering majors examined differences in ego-identity development, the relationship between ego-identity status and career and major decidedness, and the relationship between advising needs and ego-identity status. Results show status and advising needs vary with individuals, not always directly…

While many institutions are actively and successfully recruiting women and minority students into the underrepresented fields of science, mathematics, and engineering, the faculty and financial resources to train adequate numbers of students must be found. Severe shortages already exist in some professions. (MSE)

Recent establishment of degree programs in quality and reliability at several leading American academic institutions provides evidence that quality is making ivory tower in-roads. One critical difference in the orientations of U.S. and Japanese firms is in the shouldering of responsibility for product/service quality and reliability. (MLW)

Describes composite materials and related industries. Discusses the few courses at the undergraduate level, the few schools offering the courses, alternatives to these courses, job opportunities, and future trends. (YP)