Discusses a computer assisted learning system for engineering statistics based on personalized system of instruction methods. Describes the system's network, development, course structure, programing, and security. Lists the benefits of the system. (MVL)

An instructional approach used in a civil engineering curriculum at Queens University of Belfast (Northern Ireland) incorporates development of communication skills into active learning assignments. A "learning from disasters" exercise and two mock public inquiries illustrate the use and benefits of the technique. (Author/MSE)

The existing methods for graphically illustrating projection and coordinate systems for manual and computer-aided drafting and design are examined. Inconsistencies in methods used to graphically depict first and third angle projection in texts and the lack of attention in the relationship of projection to coordinate systems are noted. (KR)

An algorithm is described for generating smooth curves of first-order continuity. The algorithm is composed of several cubic Bezier curves joined together at the user defined control points. Introduced is a tension control parameter which can be set thus providing additional flexibility in the design of free-form curves. (KR)

The focus of this article is on how computer graphics can be integrated throughout the engineering graphics curriculum to increase visual perceptual skills. Visual perception is defined, the need to develop it is described, and methods which engineering graphics educators can use to develop it are outlined. (KR)

Illustrated is the use of spreadsheet programs for implementing finite difference numerical simulations of chromatography as an instructional tool in a separations course. Discussed are differential equations, discretization and integration, spreadsheet development, computer requirements, and typical simulation results. (CW)

The primary objective of this paper is to apply the educational theories of Kolb's experiential learning and Bloom's educational taxonomy in restructuring the course "Renewable energy engineering". The steps of the research procedure investigate the application of learning theories to the restructuring of the course and the introduction of…

Previous research has indicated that engineering faculty do not follow best practices when commenting on students' technical writing. However, it is unclear whether the faculty prefer to comment in these ineffective ways, or whether they prefer more effective practices but simply do not enact them. This study adapts a well known study of response…

Educators question whether performing a laboratory experiment as an observer (non-hands-on), such as conducted in a distance education context, can be as effective a learning tool as personally performing the experiment in a laboratory environment. The present paper investigates this issue by comparing the performance of distance education…

This paper outlines an approach taken to produce computer-based formative assessments for two modules in a one-year taught MSc programme in Road Management and Engineering. It presents the aims of the assessments, the taxonomy adopted to ensure that the formulation of the questions addressed learning outcomes related to the development of higher…

The issue of how concentrated research funding should be within the UK higher education sector and the implications of such concentration for the health and dynamism of the research base have been monitored by Universities UK for several years. In 2003 we commissioned a report from Evidence Limited to examine the potential impact of proposals on…

The Persistence In Engineering (PIE) survey was developed to identify and characterize the fundamental factors that influence students' intentions to pursue an engineering degree over the course of their undergraduate career, and upon graduation, to practice engineering as a profession. The PIE survey is one of five data-gathering methods used in…

The Institute for Scholarship on Engineering Education (ISEE) is an intense, interactive, and hands-on approach for impacting engineering education in a scholarly way. Three year-long Institutes, hosted by three different CAEE partner universities, are designed to engage both engineering faculty and graduate students as Institute Scholars. The…

We investigate the use and knowledge of graphs in the context of a large industrial factory. We are particularly interested in the question of "transparency", a question that has been extensively considered in the general literature on tool use and, more recently, by Michael Roth and his colleagues in the context of scientific work. Roth uses the…

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the need for Kyambogo to pay special attention to students' vocational choices, university based training and employability. Design/methodology/approach: The sample of 46 final year students, 90 graduates and 50 supervisors using cross sectional survey design was used to collect data.…