Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Carl A. Erikson

inKolb’s Experiential Learning1, Schön’s The Reflective Practitioner2, and more than twenty-five years ofrelated research and curricular innovation in areas that now include experiential learning, collaborativelearning, problem-based learning, and service-learning. Authentic engagement, however, does not readilyintegrate into the traditional classroom. For more than a decade faculty members in Department ofEngineering have worked outside the formal curriculum to partner with non-profits to create voluntaryopportunities for student engagement. Examples of helping technologies developed and implemented bystudents and their faculty mentors include: (1) simulated landmines to increase awareness about thelandmine problem and train abatement workers; (2

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

W. Riddell; E. Constans; J. Courtney; K. Dahm; R. Harvey; P. Jansson; M. Simone; P. von Lockette

requirements. In most cases, cranes were able tolift the maximum weight required. A casual observation of the artifacts, and testing of theartifacts suggested that the project was a great success.However, at the sophomore clinic retreat in the summer of 2005, the faculty reflected on thestrengths and weaknesses of the course, as taught in the fall of 2004. This reflection suggestedthat students were not grasping design concepts to the extent that the faculty expected. Whendeveloping the project, the faculty envisioned student teams generating a number of alternativedesigns, optimizing and refining the competing design ideas, identifying the best solution, andfurther refining toward a final, optimal solution. Instead, student teams tended to pick a

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Robert Avanzato

project-based work and collaboration. Second Life also provides anopportunity for students to interact with other students and faculty from around the globe – toshare ideas in a 3D environment. One example of student projects designed and exhibited inSecond Life was a section of a contemporary fiction course taught at DeSales University by BethRitter-Guth in August of 2007. This author had the opportunity to personally evaluate the studentclass projects, interact with the 3D exhibits that were designed by the students to reflect theirnovels (e.g. Harry Potter castle), and discuss the projects directly with the students present at theexhibit site in Second Life. It was a very successful experience for judges, spectators and studentexhibiting their

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Paul Stanton; Duane Fairfax

peer assessment that isfactored into grade calculation6. The peer assessment should reflect the degree of contribution each teammember makes toward the collective effort, but determining what the measure of the contribution shouldbe requires thought. Intuitively one would consider the amount of actual work accomplished, but thismay unfairly benefit a stronger student and create an unintended sense of competition within the group.In place of accounting strictly for academic ability, instructors may use a concept of team citizenship thatmeasures an individual’s cooperation with the team and the willingness to help others7. This promotesteamwork that will foster a constructive cooperative setting and benefit learning. The peer assessments can

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Keith M. Gardiner

sample of research papers produced: 1. Alicandú-Thurman, M. G., “Anti-reflecting (thin film) Materials & Nanotechnology” 2. Almeida, T. A., “The Cleaning of In Situ LPCVD Polysilicon and Silicon Nitride Tubes Using High Purity Nitrogen Trifluoride.” 3. Berquist, S., and Pritom, R. (u-g’s), “Electronic Entertainment Technology, Systems and Manufacturing.” 4. Brooks, J., “Lithium Ion Batteries and Ultra Capacitors.” 5. Carre, K., “Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): Technical Challenges and Limitations - Advantages/Disadvantages.” 6. Gomez, J. R., “Investigation and Deposition of Low Stress Silicon Nitride Thin Films.” 7. Hughes, R. “Silver Nanotechnology (Nano-Silver) - A Medical Approach.” 8. Lenio

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Alfred A. Scalza

learning going throughexperience, reflection, conceptualizing, action and on to further experience. We set forth a process forrecording continuous professional development, by capturing, recording and implementing learning. Thestudent who understands the material rather than memorizes or temporarily captures it, will gain profoundinsight into that material and all its relevant associated materials.What exactly is “Organizational Behavior” and how does it apply to the college classroom?“Organizational Behavior is a field of study that investigates the impact that individuals, groups andstructure have on behavior within an organization” 1. This field addresses the impact of motivation,leader (teacher) behavior, dynamic learning, attitudes and

Collection

2007 Fall ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Christopher M. Korpela; William J. Adams

robotics platformlike the Boe-Bot® can be programmed through a commonly used language like Java to form thebasis of undergraduate research exercises. The immediate feedback offered by programming andobserving the robot spurred students to find innovative and collaborative solutions to standardengineering problems. The confidence offered by the project also helped students overcomelinguistic and cultural obstacles, enabling cadets to learn about other cultures as well as robotics.The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position ofthe U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Department of the Army, the U.S. Department of Defense orthe United States Government. Proceedings of the 2007 Middle