Conference Session

The Philosophy of Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mani Mina, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

Paper ID #11681Applications of Reflective Thinking Exercises in both Technological Literacyand Standard Engineering CoursesDr. Mani Mina, Iowa State University Mani Mina is with the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. He is also an active collaborator and participant in the department of Industrial Design. He has been working on better understanding of students’ learning and issues of technological and engineering philosophy and literacy. In particular how such literacy and competency are reflected in curricular and student activities

Conference Session

Promoting Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Heywood, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin; Mani Mina, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

technological and engineer- ing philosophy and literacy. In particular how such literacy and competency are reflected in curricular and student activities. In addition he is active in research of engineering education and new focuses on engineering pedagogy. Page 26.1572.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 The Role of Transdisciplinary Courses in the Reform of the Engineering Curriculum. A Case Study.AbstractThe case study presented in this paper is a description of a blended transdisciplinary SmallPrivate On-Line Course (SPOC) conducted by one of the authors

Conference Session

The Philosophy of Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Heywood, Trinity College, Dublin

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

reflecting the specialized knowledgethat defines the context”. He argued that students should be trained to teach because they alsolearn when they have to explain to “others using such methods as cooperative learning andpeer instruction”. Support for Trevelyan’s thesis is to be found in a review of research onlearning-by-teaching and its implications for engineering education reported by Carberry andOhland [2]. Although it is known that some students are trained and paid to act as tutors forsmall groups in some programmes no information is given in either of these papers about thecontent of that training. It is argued here that substantial prior training may lead to moreeffective learning exchanges and subsequently better teaching in higher

Conference Session

Promoting Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kenneth W. Van Treuren, Baylor University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

viewed appropriate. For this section, the Cadets were asked to writea three page essay on how the subject of how aeronautics intersects with their chosen major.This posed a thought provoking reflection essay which was not expected in an introductoryengineering class. Cadets were encouraged to talk with their advisor, other classmates, otherCadets in the major, and with the author. Several Cadets chose the latter and excellentdiscussions were had with the author outside of the classroom. As a result, the essays writtenwere thoughtful and thought provoking. In a survey that was accomplished after the essays weregraded and returned, many Cadets thought the essay experience was valuable and theyappreciated the opportunity to reflect on the relevance

Conference Session

Communication Across the Divisions II: Communication and Transdisciplinary Pedagogies

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeffrey J. Evans, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Amy S. Van Epps, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Michael Thomas Smith; Sorin Adam Matei, Purdue University Polytechnic Institute; Esteban Garcia

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

Narratives aims to provide students with a toolkit for successfulcommunication in contemporary society and the workplace. This integrated course experience invitesstudents to reflect and use diverse ways of communication in the digital era. During one semester,participants were introduced to oral, written, visual and auditory techniques of communication, anddocumented through various digital media artifacts. Page 26.127.3Our value proposition that artistic storytelling can help students think, communicate and aid in theiremotional wellbeing is backed by a long history of scholarship. Such seminal articles as K. Egan’s“Memory, Imagination

Conference Session

Non-Canonical Canons of Engineering Ethics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Donna M Riley, Virginia Tech; Yanna Lambrinidou, Virginia Tech

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

, emotional, and self-reflective livesof engineers themselves that fail to “fit into” prevailing professional paradigms of thought andpractice.Cannons refers then not only to military annihilation but also to the systematic drowning out ofvoices/perspectives that diverge from, challenge, or oppose the engineering status quo. Wepropose that these voices and perspectives are essential for the development of technically andmorally robust engineering research and practice. In fact, they are the very thing that wouldenable engineering to truly hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public, andrealize philosopher Charles Harris’ proposed ideal of bettering “the material basis of humanwell-being or quality of life.”3This paper engages in a

Conference Session

Non-Canonical Canons of Engineering Ethics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Xiaofeng Tang, Penn State University; Dean Nieusma, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

employment of another engineer, nor does he indiscriminately criticize another engineer’s work. 13. The Engineer endeavors to extend public knowledge, and to promote understanding of the contributions and achievements of engineering and the alternatives offered by modern technology. 14. The Engineer gives credit for work to those to whom credit is due, and recognizes the proprietary interests of others. 15. The Engineer advertises his work or merit in a dignified manner, and avoids conduct or practice likely to discredit or unfavorably reflect upon the dignity or honor of the profession. 16. The Engineer is guided in all his professional relations by the highest standards of integrity, and acts in professional matters for each

Conference Session

The Philosophy of Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Krupczak, National Science Foundation; Mani Mina, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

and engineer- ing philosophy and literacy. In particular how such literacy and competency are reflected in curricular and student activities. Page 26.1748.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Work-In-Progress: An Approach to Engineering Literacy Emphasizing Components, Functions, and Systems.AbstractAll introductory and general education courses benefit from having strong themes that serve tounite course material. Technological and engineering literacy courses that address diversetechnological topics without a convincing and fundamental theme risk

Conference Session

The Philosophy of Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

George D. Ricco, Gonzaga University, Spokane

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

-expandedconstructs of false thinking and Bodenständigkeit or autochthony – sometimes calledgroundedness. These two constructs can be readily applied to the enterprise of engineeringeducation to better situate the engineer in the world and to discuss his place relative to his role insociety, his job, his colleagues, and related institutions. While there are many tools to evaluateengineering thinking and even emergent ones to evaluate divergent and creative thought, tools toevaluate the lack of thinking or thoughtlessness are not pervasive. Heidegger’s philosophyprovides reflections to better understand false thinking, grounded thought, and potentially aconstruct for delimiting thought or thoughtlessness – three constructs from which our moderntechnological

Conference Session

Non-Canonical Canons of Engineering Ethics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Donna M Riley, Virginia Tech; Amy E. Slaton, Drexel University (Eng. & Eng. Tech.); Joseph R. Herkert, Arizona State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

historical actors clearly understood theirefforts along these lines, we want to suggest that from another perspective the division betweendescriptive and prescriptive efforts may be somewhat blurrier. Responsible dam engineerswould no doubt heed the ethical mandate for public safety, health and welfare, which mandatepresupposes the possible co-existence of dam and safe public. Any dam is projected as comingabout either through safe or unsafe engineering practices, and in a non-trivial sense this isprecisely how dams come to be. Yet, consider that both the safe and the unsafe dam exclude thefreely flowing river from reasonable existence. That engineering codes of ethics have never, toour knowledge, included instructions to “reflect on who benefits

Conference Session

Interactive Panel on Perspectives and Practical Skills for Men as Advocates for Gender Equity

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lawrence J. Genalo, Iowa State University; Roger A. Green, North Dakota State University; Beth M Holloway, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Archie L Holmes Jr., University of Virginia; Brian P Kirkmeyer, Miami University; Klod Kokini, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Daniel Lopresti, Lehigh University; Adrienne Minerick, Michigan Technological University; Beena Sukumaran, Rowan University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Leadership Development Division, Minorities in Engineering, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering, Women in Engineering

country, but it is a major barrier at my institution.I otherwise believe that advocacy needs to be a formalized institution-level mission and goal, andit must be genuine. If it is not for the right reasons (such as public relations), then thoseindividuals within the institution will see through it and potentially lose confidence and morale.It cannot simply be words or data; there has to be action, and institutions cannot fake this. I alsobelieve that it is a barrier if the leaders of the institution do not speak and act consistentlybetween their public and internal personas. These leaders cannot speak of how important equityis and then internally emphasize efforts that do not reflect this

Conference Session

Communication Across the Divisions II: Communication and Transdisciplinary Pedagogies

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brock E. Barry P.E., U.S. Military Academy; Daniel J. Fox, U.S. Military Academy; Robert M. Wendel, U.S. Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

training, independent of teacher experience. This post-session surveysought to gather demographic information to aid in understanding the participant’s particularteaching experience and nonverbal communication training.Results and DiscussionEach participant’s response was compared against the sample population and against thestudent’s report confidence to identify whether overall nonverbal message discrepancies exist.The results of the expert and participant responses are provided in Table 2.The percentages calculated in each row reflect the portion of the population that correctlymatched their assessment (either confident or non-confident) with the students reportedconfidence for an individual video clip. Notably, there is a significant range in

Conference Session

Interactive Panel on Improving the Experiences of Marginalized Students on Engineering Design Teams

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lorelle A Meadows, Michigan Technological University; Denise Sekaquaptewa, University of Michigan; Marie C Paretti, Virginia Tech; Alice L. Pawley, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Shawn S. Jordan, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus; Debbie Chachra, Olin College of Engineering; Adrienne Minerick, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education, Electrical and Computer, Engineering Libraries, First-Year Programs, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Minorities in Engineering, Student, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering, Women in Engineering

distinct from sex. Connellnotes that gender is not a supposedly biologically-obvious division between men and women, butinstead the way human society collectively makes relevant these reproductive distinctions Page 26.1007.5between human bodies in a social context. For us, the context is engineering education. In its  simplest form, gender reflects the set of characteristics, behaviors, and practices that we think ofas “feminine” or “masculine” – characteristics that any individual biological male or female mayor may not embody.Race, like gender, is not a biological category but a social one. And unlike sex, race has nobiological basis, despite a

Conference Session

Communication Across the Divisions II: Communication and Transdisciplinary Pedagogies

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Valenzuela P.E., University of Evansville; Valerie A. Stein, University of Evansville

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering, Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

lectureAlthough the first author was mindful that the FYS audience drew from all of the majors acrosscampus (liberal arts and non-liberal arts) and needed to address the nature and value of criticalthinking, the choice of the subject matter and its treatment reflected the usual direction of theconversation about the discipline of the liberal arts in engineering. As a case study of theapplication of critical thinking, the lecture delves into conspiracy theories regarding the collapseof the World Trade Center Towers on 9-11. The opportunity to prepare for the plenary lecturegave the first author the motivation to seriously consider the efforts by a handful of engineersand architects to reopen the investigation of the collapse as part of the 9-11 Truth

Conference Session

Promoting Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William R. Loendorf, Eastern Washington University; Terence Geyer, Eastern Washington University

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

the distance education sections. This is mostlydue to the higher average exam grades across the board for the distance education students. Theoverall averages are 3.5 for the traditional classroom version and 3.8 for the distance educationblended format. The three tenths of a point differential for the distance education blended formatcan be explained by describing their typical students. They are on average older, taking only oneor two courses at a time, and working fulltime. A similar variance has also been noted in otherblended learning courses.Conclusions, Reflections, and the FutureUtilizing the blended learning model, course material can be successfully delivered remotely tostudents. The learning experience for the students can be

Conference Session

Promoting Engineering and Technological Literacy

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan Grunert, Virginia Tech; Peter Doolittle, Virginia Tech; Stephanie G. Adams, Virginia Tech

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

engineering projectsentail risk—a risk that cannot always be anticipated. Perhaps most importantly, this citizenunderstands that engineering is not an a-political investment, and that not all engineers aredisinterested. Engineering reflects the values and culture of society, and the engineer is notimmune to his or her cultural situation.The history and evolution of engineering is another foray into the relationships between societyand engineering. Looking at the change of engineering over time is valuable, as it showcases thedevelopment of certain social aspects of engineering. Perhaps engineering historians explore thedevelopment and transformation of engineering as a profession, or perhaps they develop acomparative study of a variety of engineering