Showing papers on "Engineering education published in 2011"

Engineering education and the development of expertise

Abstract: Contributors Michael Alley, The Pennsylvania State University; Cindy Atman, University of Washington; David DiBiasio, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Cindy Finelli, University of Michigan; Heidi Diefes-Dux, Purdue University; Anette Kolmos, Aalborg University; Donna Riley, Smith College; Sheri Sheppard, Stanford University; Maryellen Weimer, The Pennsylvania State University; Ken Yasuhara, University of Washington Background Although engineering education has evolved in ways that improve the readiness of graduates to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, national and international organizations continue to call for change. Future changes in engineering education should be guided by research on expertise and the learning processes that support its development. Purpose The goals of this paper are: to relate key findings from studies of the development of expertise to engineering education, to summarize instructional practices that are consistent with these findings, to provide examples of learning experiences that are consistent with these instructional practices, and finally, to identify challenges to implementing such learning experiences in engineering programs. Scope/Method The research synthesized for this article includes that on the development of expertise, students' approaches to learning, students' responses to instructional practices, and the role of motivation in learning. In addition, literature on the dominant teaching and learning practices in engineering education is used to frame some of the challenges to implementing alternative approaches to learning. Conclusion Current understanding of expertise, and the learning processes that develop it, indicates that engineering education should encompass a set of learning experiences that allow students to construct deep conceptual knowledge, to develop the ability to apply key technical and professional skills fluently, and to engage in a number of authentic engineering projects. Engineering curricula and teaching methods are often not well aligned with these goals. Curriculum-level instructional design processes should be used to design and implement changes that will improve alignment.

Engineering Systems: Meeting Human Needs in a Complex Technological World

Abstract: Engineering, for much of the twentieth century, was mainly about artifacts and inventions. Now, it's increasingly about complex systems. As the airplane taxis to the gate, you access the Internet and check email with your PDA, linking the communication and transportation systems. At home, you recharge your plug-in hybrid vehicle, linking transportation to the electricity grid. Today's large-scale, highly complex sociotechnical systems converge, interact, and depend on each other in ways engineers of old could barely have imagined. As scale, scope, and complexity increase, engineers consider technical and social issues together in a highly integrated way as they design flexible, adaptable, robust systems that can be easily modified and reconfigured to satisfy changing requirements and new technological opportunities. Engineering Systems offers a comprehensive examination of such systems and the associated emerging field of study. Through scholarly discussion, concrete examples, and history, the authors consider the engineer's changing role, new ways to model and analyze these systems, the impacts on engineering education, and the future challenges of meeting human needs through the technologically enabled systems of today and tomorrow.

Emerging Research Methodologies in Engineering Education Research

Abstract: Background Methodology refers to the theoretical arguments that researchers use in order to justify their research methods and design. There is an extensive range of well established methodologies in the educational research literature of which a growing subset is beginning to be used in engineering education research. Purpose A more explicit engagement with methodologies, particularly those that are only emerging in engineering education research, is important so that engineering education researchers can broaden the set of research questions they are able to address. Scope/Method Seven methodologies are outlined and for each an exemplar paper is analyzed in order to demonstrate the methodology in operation and to highlight its particular contribution. The methodologies are: Case Study, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Action Research, Phenomenography, Discourse Analysis, and Narrative Analysis. It is noted that many of the exemplar papers use some of these methodologies in combination. Conclusion The exemplar papers show that collectively these methodologies might allow the research community to be able to better address questions around key engineering education challenges, such as students' responses to innovative pedagogies, diversity issues in engineering, and the changing requirements for engineering graduates in the twenty-first century.

What is an Engineer? Implications of Elementary School Student Conceptions for Engineering Education

Abstract: Background Research in engineering education tends to focus on students' factual knowledge about engineering, their interests and attitudes, and on students' conceptions of the engineer and the relation to curriculum development. Thus, it is essential to expand our understanding of students' conceptions about the engineer phenomenon as the foundation for informing STEM education standards and curriculum. Purpose(Hypothesis) The purpose of this study was to investigate students' conceptions about engineers specifically: (1) What are elementary school students' conceptions of an engineer? (2) How might students' conceptions vary by grade level, gender, and community setting? (3) What are implications of students' conceptions for engineering education? Design/Method This study was descriptive in nature and reflected a cross-age design involving the collection of qualitative data from about 400 Grade 1 through 5 students from urban and suburban schools located in the Midwest, United States. Data were analyzed using content analysis and statistical testing. Results Students conceptualized an engineer as a mechanic, laborer, and technician. Students' conceptions entailed the engineer fixing, building, or making and using vehicles, engines, and tools. Students' conceptions were relatively consistent across urban and suburban school communities with the exceptions that laborer was more common among urban students and technician was more common among suburban students. More than half of the students who drew a person drew male engineers. Conclusion A framework for organizing and interpreting students' conceptions is presented. Curricular recommendations and implications are made that build on students' conceptions and reinforce connections between national standards and the engineer concept.

Engineering Instructional Development: Programs, Best Practices, and Recommendations

Abstract: Background Economic globalization, rapid advances in technology and cognitive science, and a worldwide movement toward outcomes-based program accreditation increasingly require changes in the traditional model of engineering education design and delivery. As yet, no validated framework exists for designing instructional development programs that would equip engineering educators to make those changes. Existing programs consequently vary considerably in scope and effectiveness across countries and institutions. Purpose The goals of this article are to review the content and structures of instructional development programs around the world and to formulate a robust framework for designing and delivering effective programs for engineering educators. Scope/Method Literature on the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional development programs is reviewed and summarized. Five criteria drawn from Raymond Wlodkowski’s theory of adult learner motivation [expertise of instructors, relevance of content, choice in application, praxis (action plus reflection), and groupwork] were proposed as a framework for designing engineering instructional development programs, and the framework was applied to formulate recommendations for making programs effective. Research questions that should be explored to validate the framework were suggested. Conclusion Wlodkowski’s five-factor theory of adult learner motivation provides a good framework for the design of engineering instructional development programs. The criteria are compatible with the cognitive science-based How People Learn instructional model and also with recommendations of faculty development authorities. Making engineering instructional development effective at an institution will require applying the criteria to program design and delivery and creating an institutional expectation of faculty participation in the programs.

The pace of technological innovation in architecture, engineering, and construction education: integrating recent trends into the curricula

Abstract: The U.S. AEC industry is faced with the ever-increasing challenge of managing the public and private facilities and infrastructure to support the accomplishment of its economy. The increasing global emphasis on sustainable approaches and the need to increase efficiency and improve cost over the lifecycle of projects, demand new approaches to architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education. This study was initiated to look for insight into the current educational environment and to provide a baseline for possible solutions to cope with the complexity of the challenge. This paper examined 101 U.S. AEC programs focusing on emerging subject areas of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainability, and reviewed how educational innovations of distance learning, multidisciplinary collaboration, industry collaborations, are incorporated to develop core competencies in those two subject areas. The researchers reviewed and categorized the AEC disciplines based on the respective accrediting bodies of ABET, NAAB, and ACCE, and surveyed the internal factors (e.g., program resources, expertise, etc.) and external factors (e.g., accreditation requirements, sustainability initiatives, etc.) that affect the pedagogical approaches. This study illustrates the challenges incorporating new knowledge areas into constrained curricula and the various approaches that the university programs are undertaking. A comparative analysis also reveals the similarities and differences and specific advantages and disadvantages of particular approaches across the AEC programs. The findings reinforce the notion that there are disparities in these educational programs, which need realignment to develop the workforce of the future that will lead the AEC industry transformations.

Augmented Reality for the Improvement of Remote Laboratories: An Augmented Remote Laboratory

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) provides huge opportunities for online teaching in science and engineering, as these disciplines place emphasis on practical training and unsuited to completely nonclassroom training. This paper proposes a new concept in virtual and remote laboratories: the augmented remote laboratory (ARL). ARL is being tested in the first and second years of the new degrees in industrial engineering and computer engineering, respectively, at the School of Engineering, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain. By means of augmented reality techniques, ARL allows the student to experience sensations and explore learning experiences that, in some cases, may exceed those offered by traditional laboratory classes. The effectiveness of this methodology for remote laboratory work is evaluated by comparing it to practical sessions in the laboratory at the university itself with the same group of students. Students completed a questionnaire after having experienced both types of practicals, and the results show that the use of ARL improves student outcomes. As discussed in the paper, the potential of AR to configure different experiments from the same physical configuration is virtually limitless.

Simulation games in engineering education: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract: Globalization and advances in information technology has prompted a need to change traditional lecture-based passive learning methodology to an active multi-sensory experiential learning methodology. This article presents a state-of-the-art review of extant applications of simulation games in engineering education. It was concluded that proper application of simulation games in engineering education would maximize the student's transferability of academic knowledge to the industry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 399–410, 2011

STEM Education: Proceed with Caution.

Abstract: Proposals for science, technology, engineering and mathematics to be presented in the secondary curriculum in an integrated way have been developed in some countries for at least three decades now, but are recently becoming more common and more significant. Some proposals are now being delivered with high level political clout, for example President Obama’s November 2009 announcement of a range of STEM initiatives, and the UK appointment of a National STEM Director followed by a range of similar initiatives to promote the STEM agenda. In other countries this grouping of subjects is promoted as a coalition but not necessarily as a school curriculum organiser, for example SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) in South Africa (National Science and Technology Forum). The rationales for the agenda are various but limited, and related mainly to vocational and economic goals, rationales not uncommon in the justification of Technology Education, though more recently marginalised as Technology Education has established its place more securely as a component of general education. In many countries, traditional technology education had a strong vocational emphasis and consequently the link with workforce needs and the economy was quite explicit. Technology as a component of general education has a less direct link with economic development, but nevertheless it remains a rationale which is often invoked.

Multiple perspectives on engaging future engineers

Abstract: Background Engaging future engineers is a central topic in everyday conversations on engineering education. Considerable investments have been made to make engineering more engaging, recruit and retain aspiring engineers, and to design an education to prepare future engineers. However, the impact of these efforts has been less than intended. It is imperative that the community reflects on progress and sets a more effective path for the future. Purpose The purpose of this article is to map a new innovation landscape for what it means to engage future engineers. This is a theoretically grounded divergent-thinking effort to enable a broader space of high impact innovations for engaging future engineers. Scope/Method A multiple perspectives methodology drawing from innovation, cross-disciplinary, and boundary work frameworks was used to make visible multiple facets of engaging future engineers. Scholars from diverse communities of thought and discourse were selected to present interparadigmatic perspectives, act as boundary agents, challenge and transform current ways of thinking, and illustrate new opportunities for engineering education innovation. Conclusions A new innovation landscape for engaging future engineers is needed, one that emphasizes epistemological development and social justice, new configurations on engineering thinking and connecting to the formative years of development, the entwinement of engineering knowing and being, and mutually informing consequences for opening up a broader space for innovation. We also need to adopt strategies and tools for using a multiple perspectives approach to better understand complex engineering education problems.

Virtual reality in engineering education: The future of creative learning

Abstract: Virtual reality has achieved an adequate level of development for it to be considered in innovative applications such as education, training, and research in higher education. Virtual reality offers both opportunities and challenges for the educational sector. One of the challenges of virtual reality technology is the costs associated which have been unaffordable for educational institutes. However, in recent years, computer hardware and software development has made it more feasible to incorporate virtual reality technology into future teaching strategies. Despite the cost challenges, educational benefits of implementing virtual reality remain compelling. This paper explains virtual reality principle and describes the interactive educational environment developed at WMG, the University of Warwick. It also discusses the benefits of using state-of-the-art 3D photorealistic interactive and immersive virtual environment for engineering undergraduates and postgraduate teaching, learning and training.

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Abstract: Postgraduate Students: Vladimír Arnošt, Daniel Čapek, Rudolf Čejka, Dao Minh, TomᚠDulík, Martin Hrubý, Radek Kočí, Petr Kotásek, Marek Křejpský, Bohuslav Křena, Vladislav Kubíček, Vladimír Marek, Petr Matoušek, Aleš Mičín, Jiří Očenášek, TomᚠOndráček, Petr Peňás, Jaroslav Ráb, Richard Růžička, LukᚠSekanina, Ivan Schwarz, Azedien Sllame, Petr Smolík, Jiří Staroba, Josef Strnadel, LukᚠSzemla, Pavel Tišnovský, Michal Tomšů, Milan Urbášek, Michal Vojkůvka, Petr Vurm, František Zbořil

Engineering Competence? An Interpretive Investigation of Engineering Students' Professional Formation

Abstract: Background There is growing evidence that engineering students' professional formation is shaped by the interplay of explicit learning activities and various influences from the wider educational context. The unintended outcomes of these processes, or Accidental Competencies, formed the lens for an empirical investigation of this social learning system. Purpose (Hypothesis) The exploratory inquiry addressed the following research questions. What are influences that contribute to engineering students' professional formation? How does it occur and what are resulting competencies and incompetencies Design/Mscethod Data was collected internationally in focus groups with 67 students in their transition from university into professional practice. The students' accounts were analyzed qualitatively using the software NVivo7. From the iterative analysis based on a grounded theory approach, categories and subordinate clusters of influences, mechanisms, and outcomes emerged. Results The following three forms of representation provide an authentic view of the social learning system under investigation: (i) a contextual model of competency formation illustrates the complex nature of the learning processes; (ii) an overview of the coding structure presents seven competence clusters (Flexibility, Interaction, Plan, Professional Realities, Self, Social Context and Technical); and (iii) thick descriptions from the students' accounts trace three characteristics of the complex learning processes (compound influences, ambiguity of outcomes, context-dependent nature of learning outcomes). Conclusions Engineering education is a complex system where a range of influences outside the realm of explicit instruction contribute to the development of students as professional engineers. This study provides an evidence-based framework to consider this complexity in reflective teaching practice and innovative curriculum design.

Virtual Reality in Engineering Education: The Future of Creative Learning

Abstract: Virtual reality has achieved an adequate level of development for it to be considered in innovative applications such as education, training, and research in higher education. Virtual reality offers both opportunities and challenges for the educational sector. One of the challenges of virtual reality technology is the costs associated which have been unaffordable for educational institutes. However, in recent years, computer hardware and software development has made it more feasible to incorporate virtual reality technology into future teaching strategies. Despite the cost challenges, educational benefits of implementing virtual reality remain compelling. This paper explains virtual reality principle and describes the interactive educational environment developed at WMG, the University of Warwick. It also discusses the benefits of using state-of-the-art 3D photorealistic interactive and immersive virtual environment for engineering undergraduates and postgraduate teaching, learning and training.

The Engaged University: International Perspectives on Civic Engagement

Abstract: Series Editors' Introduction Preface Talloires Declaration on the Civic Roles and Social Responsibilities of Higher Education Introduction and Acknowledgements I. University-Community Relationships: The long view 1. Historical and Geographical Perspectives 2. Types of Capital and Citizenship 3. Contemporary Drivers II. The Engaged University 4. The project 5. The profiles 5.1 Australia and its Higher Education System 5.1.1 Two-way learning: Profile of Charles Darwin University 5.1.2 Sharing knowledge: Profile of the University of Melbourne 5.1.3 A University without Walls: Profile of the University of Western Sydney 5.2 India and its Higher Education System 5.2.1 An Enlightened Woman is a Source of Infinite Strength: Profile of Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University, Mumbai 5.3 Israel and its Higher Education System 5.3.1 "Institution-wide commitment to social responsibility": Profile of the University of Haifa 5.4 The Occupied Palestinian Territories and their Higher Education System 5.4.1 "Education and Service for Political Change and Development" Profile of Al-Quds University 5.5 Malaysia and its Higher Education System 5.5.1 Community Partnerships to Address National Priorities: Profile of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 5.6 Mexico and its Higher Education System 5.6.1 Cultivating ethics and citizenship: Profile of Tecnologico de Monterrey 5.7 Pakistan and its Higher Education System 5.7.1 A Unique University with a Mandate for Social Development: Profile of Aga Khan University 5.8 Peru and its Higher Education System 5.8.1 A regional leader for human and economic development: Profile of the Universidad Senor de Sipan (USS) 5.9 The Philippines and its Higher Education System 5.9.1 Volunteer Service to the Poor: Profile of Notre Dame of Marbel University 5.10 South Africa and its Higher Education System 5.10.1 Community Partnerships for Development and the Appropriation of New Knowledge: Cape Peninsula University of Technology 5.11 Sudan and its Higher Education System 5.11.1 Empowering Women as Agents of Change through Education: Ahfad University for Women 5.12 Tanzania and its Higher Education System 5.12.1 Knowledge for Development: University of Dar es Salaam 5.13 Ukraine and its Higher Education System 5.13.1 Building Civil Society: Profile of Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University 5.14 The United Kingdom and its Higher Education System 5.14.1 Open access for social justice: Profile of the Open University 5.14.2 Reinventing liberal higher education: Profile of the University of Winchester 5.15 The United States of America and its Higher Education System 5.15.1 Knowledge to Serve the City: Profile of Portland State University 5.15.2 Social justice education and research and service: Profile of Georgetown University 5.16 Venezuela and its Higher Education System 5.16.1 From education for national development to community solidarity: Universidad Metropolitana en Caracas (UNIMET) 6. Findings: Common patterns and influences III. An Engaged University Movement 7. Networks: A unifying force 8. The world upside-side down: university engagement from the South to the North 9. Implications for policy and practice Appendix 1. Institutional questionnaire Appendix 2. Field research questions Acronyms References Notes on Contributors Index

Concepts and contexts in engineering and technology education: an international and interdisciplinary Delphi study

Abstract: Inspired by a similar study by Osborne et al. we have conducted a Delphi study among experts to identify key concepts to be taught in engineering and technology education and relevant and meaningful contexts through which these concepts can be taught and learnt. By submitting the outcomes of the Delphi study to a panel of experts in a twoday meeting we were able to add structure to the Delphi results. Thus we reached a concise list of concepts and contexts that can be used to develop curricula for education about engineering and technology as a contribution to technological literacy goals in education.

Sixth-Grade Students’ Views of the Nature of Engineering and Images of Engineers

Abstract: This study investigated the views of the nature of engineering held by 6th-grade students to provide a baseline upon which activities or curriculum materials might be developed to introduce middle-school students to the work of engineers and the process of engineering design. A phenomenographic framework was used to guide the analysis of data collected from: (1) a series of 20 semi-structured interviews with 6th-grade students, (2) drawings created by these students of “an engineer or engineers at work” that were discussed during the interviews, and (3) field notes collected by the researchers during the interviews. The 6th-grade students tended to believe that engineers were individuals who make or build products, although some students understood the role of engineers in the design or planning of products, and, to a lesser extent in testing products to ensure that they “work” and/or are safe to use. The combination of drawings of “engineers or engineering at work” and individual interviews provided more insight into the students’ views of the nature of engineering than either source of data would have offered on its own. Analysis of the data suggested that the students’ concepts of engineers and engineering were fragile, or unstable, and likely to change within the time frame of the interview.

Elementary Teachers' Views about Teaching Design, Engineering, and Technology.

Abstract: While there is a growing interest in infusing engineering into elementary classrooms, very little is known about how well positioned elementary teachers are to teach engineering. This study examined elementary teachers’ perceptions of and familiarity with design, engineering, and technology (DET). We collected data from 192 elementary teachers using the DET teacher survey. While these elementary teachers thought teaching DET was important (Mean 5 3.46; SD 5 0.43), they were relatively unfamiliar with DET (Mean 5 2.01; SD 5 0.65). Years of teaching experience did not affect teachers’ familiarity with teaching DET and their perceptions of how importance DET was. Moderately experienced teachers showed stereotypical views of engineering. Furthermore, teachers’ motivations to teach DET differed based on their ethnic backgrounds. The results suggest a need to improve elementary teachers’ familiarity with design, engineering, and technology. Professional development activities should be guided by research on teacher knowledge, and establish an alignment between motivations of teachers and expectations of their schools to ensure administrative support.

Feminist Theory in Three Engineering Education Journals: 1995–2008

Abstract: Background Women remain underrepresented in engineering despite decades of effort. Feminist theory may explain why some well-intentioned efforts actually reinforce the very conditions they seek to change. Purpose (Hypothesis) Our purpose is to understand and advance the use of feminist theory in engineering education research towards the goals of increasing gender diversity and equity in engineering. Specifically, we seek to address the following questions: How has feminist theory been engaged within engineering education scholar ship? And what opportunities exist for further engagement? Design/Method We analyzed articles from Journal of Engineering Education (JEE), European Journal of Engineering (EJEE), and International Journal of Engineering Education (IJEE) that had women or gender as a central part of their studies. Titles, keywords, and abstracts for every article in the journals were reviewed for the years 1995–2008. The 88 articles directly addressing gender or women in engineering were analyzed to determine their level of engagement with feminist theory. Result Feminist theory is not widely engaged or systematically developed in this scholarship. Most work rests upon implicitly liberal and standpoint feminist theories, but a minority of articles point to intersectional, interactional, and masculinity studies approaches. We identified several ways in which deeper engagement with a wider range of feminist theories can benefit engineering education scholarship. Conclusion Feminist theory is underutilized within engineering education scholarship. Further engagement with, and systematic development of, feminist theory could be one beneficial way to move the field forward.

Rethinking engineering education

Abstract: The necessity of restructuring engineering education has been recognized for many years, but for a number of reasons reform is becoming increasingly urgent. It is not just that current engineering education methods are increasingly obsolete; student cognitive patterns are changing in unpredictable ways, and the complexity of the environment within which engineering is practiced is also increasing dramatically. Half measures that might have been seen as adequate a decade ago are no longer sufficient. What is required is a thorough rethinking of the engineering education framework, centered around a division of engineering students into technical, single expertise, and design capable cohorts.

An Australian study of generic competencies required by engineers

Abstract: Engineering curricula have expanded in recent decades. In addition to science and technical engineering, they now include several non-technical competencies. This is a trend reinforced by programme accreditation. The authors take the viewpoint that it is important to ensure that graduates have the competencies they will require for their work. The following question is addressed: What are the generic competencies that engineers graduating in Australia require for their work as engineers? Competencies were identified from a broad range of literature and then rated by 300 established engineers for importance to their jobs. The results indicated that non-technical, attitudinal and technical competencies were perceived to be important. Eleven competency factors were revealed empirically. Profiles of these competency factors among graduates would assist evaluation and improvement of engineering programmes. This is the first quantitative study conducted in Australia that encompassed all engineering disciplines ...

Broadening Ethics Teaching in Engineering: Beyond the Individualistic Approach

Abstract: There is a widespread approach to the teaching of ethics to engineering students in which the exclusive focus is on engineers as individual agents and the broader context in which they do their work is ignored. Although this approach has frequently been criticised in the literature, it persists on a wide scale, as can be inferred from accounts in the educational literature and from the contents of widely used textbooks in engineering ethics. In this contribution we intend to: (1) Restate why the individualistic approach to the teaching of ethics to engineering students is inadequate in view of preparing them for ethical, professional and social responsibility; (2) Examine the existing literature regarding the possible contribution of Science, Technology and Society (STS) scholarship in addressing the inadequacies of the individualistic approach; and (3) Assess this possible contribution of STS in order to realise desired learning outcomes regarding the preparation of students for ethical and social responsibility.

Video as a new teaching tool to increase student motivation

Abstract: The main objective of this research is to explore the results of the use of videos as an educational tool which helps increasing students' motivation in any discipline. The study is based on several streaming videos created as a support material for learning and used by 12 lecturers with 487 students in three different degrees of engineering (Mechanical, Industrial and Management, and Aeronautical) at the School of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering of Terrassa (ETSEIAT). The paper describes the different areas and ways in which this innovative learning tool has been used and emphasizes the skills developed in each application. Finally, it presents the results of the impact of the use of videos upon students' motivation.

Teaching teamwork in engineering and computer science

Abstract: Teamwork is recognized as an important skill for engineering and computer science professionals. Both potential employers and accrediting agencies, such as ABET, expect students to gain proficiency in teamwork skills through experiential learning. Teamwork based projects challenge the student to apply the technical knowledge they gain in school to solve meaningful and complex problems. However, to be truly proficient in teamwork, a student must also learn and practice a large number of peripheral skills. These include planning, estimating, tracking progress, taking corrective actions, managing change, controlling and managing risks, maintaining ethical and professional conduct, communicating complex ideas clearly and concisely, using design automation tools, leveraging web-based tools for team collaboration, and most importantly participating effectively as team members. It is essential that students should be taught these important skills. It is unlikely that without adequate faculty guidance students can pick up these skills through ad-hoc project experience. Yet, many engineering and computer science programs expect the students to do just that. We feel strongly that we need to employ a more pragmatic approach in teaching students the skills necessary to function as effective and productive team members. Additionally, we need to develop criteria for assessing the effectiveness of teaching teamwork and the tools to measure learning outcomes. Among the problems contributing to this situation are the following: engineering and computer science instructors themselves often have had little or no experience operating in teams; training or guidance in effective ways to teach teamwork is seldom provided; and tools and effective approaches to assist in the teaching and assessment of teamwork are lacking. Another problem is that, it takes a great deal of faculty time, effort and energy to guide groups of students in doing effective teamwork. We will describe an approach that we have used to teach team collaboration skills using free and freely available web-based tools. Students learn to use tools for design automation, metrics collection, project management, and web-based collaboration. Our approach encourages students to learn teamwork skills and improves levels of collaboration among team members while reducing demands on faculty time and effort. Use of web-based collaboration tools allows students to participate without the need for frequent face-to-face meetings; this our students love. In an effort to maximize the use of techniques like the ones described in this paper, we hold regular informal sessions of interested faculty to share ideas on improving teaching teamwork and to develop methods and tools for assessment. The paper and the conference presentation will describe both our approach and the results we have obtained.

Emulation-Based Virtual Laboratories: A Low-Cost Alternative to Physical Experiments in Control Engineering Education

Abstract: This paper argues the case for emulation-based virtual laboratories in control engineering education. It demonstrates that such emulation experiments can give students an industrially relevant educational experience at relatively low cost. The paper also describes a particular emulation-based system that has been developed with the aim of giving students an introduction to real-world control engineering design.

An evaluation of a project-based learning initiative in engineering education

Abstract: Project-based learning (PBL) is a well-known methodology for engineering design education due to a number of benefits it is claimed to offer. This paper presents the initial offering of a first-year engineering PBL unit at Griffith University in Australia. An evaluation of student perceptions of the unit revealed that students generally enjoyed the experience, with the oral presentation aspect receiving the lowest satisfaction rating. There was no significant difference in the ratings between any demographic grouping, suggesting that all students were able to participate in, and experience, the unit in essentially the same way. The best aspects of the unit and those aspects needing improvement were similar to the findings of other investigations documented in the literature. It is proposed that future offerings of the unit will reduce the number of design projects from three to two per semester and will attempt more sophisticated individualisation of marks for group work activities.