Nait Or Abet? How Different Is Different?
- Conference
- Location
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Chicago, Illinois
- Publication Date
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June 18, 2006
- Start Date
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June 18, 2006
- End Date
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June 21, 2006
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Technology
- Page Count
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11
- Page Numbers
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11.946.1 - 11.946.11
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--1133
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/1133
- Download Count
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727
Paper Authors
Wael Ibrahim ECPI College of Technology
Wael Ibrahim, is the Associate Dean for Computer Electronics Technology at ECPI College of Technology. Dr. Ibrahim has over thirteen years experience in education at the university level. He has an extensive experience in curriculum development for in-seat and online environments. His research interests are geared towards three main categories which are basic understanding of physical phenomena, engineering applications and engineering education enhancement.
Rasha Morsi Norfolk State University
RASHA MORSI is an Assistant professor in the Department of Engineering at Norfolk State University. She has a B.Eng. degree from King’s College, University of London (1991), an M.E. in Computer Engineering (1996), and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2002) from Old Dominion University. Her research interests include Digital Cellular Mobile Communication Networks and Protocols, Object Oriented Modeling and Simulation, and Technology Based Engineering Education.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
NAIT or ABET? How Different is Different?
Abstract
The main objective of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is to improve the overall quality of engineering education. This can be done through improving communication skills, encouraging team work, and providing an environment that allows the student to acquire the knowledge they need through technology as well as traditional methods. Acquiring ABET accreditation requires great commitment from faculty, staff, and school administration alike. A large number of Universities and colleges nationwide have made the commitment to acquire ABET as the accreditation body for their degrees. Over 70 Universities/colleges nationwide are accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).
This paper compares the NAIT and ABET accreditation curriculum requirements for Computer Technology degrees and provides insight into possible strategies and the issues involved when trying to acquire ABET accreditation if you are currently NAIT accredited. Going from NAIT to ABET here becomes an even more difficult task simply because a number of courses that are required by NAIT for accreditation are not required by ABET. There lies a dilemma of going for ABET and possibly losing the NAIT accreditation in the process. A sample NAIT compliant curriculum is presented and the transition to an ABET compliant curriculum is achieved.
Introduction
Colleges and Universities nationwide seek accreditation for their Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Technology programs. Accreditation is a form of assurance that a program meets established quality standards. ABET is the most famous accreditation body in the United States for Engineering and Engineering Technology Programs. ABET now accredits Computer Science programs with the recent integration of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) and its accreditation within ABET. “The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) is now well established and is effectively operating in the tradition of the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC).”[1]
ABET
Engineers Council for Professional Development (ECPD) was established in 1932 “to fill the apparent need for a joint program for upbuilding engineering as a profession."[2]. In 1980, ECPD was renamed the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET, Inc. is now the recognized accreditation organization for college and university programs. ABET accredits programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. It is “among the
1
Ibrahim, W., & Morsi, R. (2006, June), Nait Or Abet? How Different Is Different? Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--1133
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