Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education I

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mary Baker, Texas Tech University; Brian Nutter, Texas Tech University; Mohammed Saed, Texas Tech University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

AC 2008-1459: DEVELOPMENT OF A FRESHMAN AND PRE-FRESHMANRESEARCH AND DESIGN PROGRAM IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERINGMary Baker, Texas Tech UniversityBrian Nutter, Texas Tech UniversityMohammed Saed, Texas Tech University Page 13.406.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Development of a Freshman and Pre-Freshman Research and Design Program in Electrical EngineeringAbstractIt is well-known that involving students in activities and courses within their major earlyin their academic careers has a positive impact on student retention. We have developedseveral programs targeted at involving freshmen and pre-freshmen students in Electricaland Computer Engineering

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education I

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Anderson, U.S. Naval Academy; Richard Buehrer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

equipmentfailures.Although it is too early to assess the impact of the research experience on these students’ careers,the experience appears to have been a success. All four students reported a greater depth ofunderstanding of the concepts taught in electromagnetics and communications courses.Additionally, students gained valuable experience in developing and carrying out fieldexperiments—sometimes in less than ideal conditions—and as a result of this experience, somestudents expressed a desire to pursue a graduate degree. Designing this research project alsoprovided several valuable lessons to the instructors which will aid in the further development ofhands-on learning activities for electromagnetics and communications courses. Page

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Cambron, Western Kentucky University; Walter Collett, Western Kentucky University; Stacy Wilson, Western Kentucky University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

early parts of their undergraduate experience. Often the only studentsengaged in applied research projects are seniors. These students have completed many of theirengineering classes and are prepared to positively impact a project. However, seniors tend tohave a nasty habit of graduating. The combination of younger students lacking skills and neededcoursework and seniors graduating makes successful large scale or multiyear projects morechallenging. The EE program has successfully used a few approaches to implement theseprojects. Four projects that have been successfully completed are discussed below.Project #1 – Curl Detection in Automation ProcessThe first project discussed is an automation design project with local industry. Two seniors

Conference Session

Design in the ECE Curriculum

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Friauf, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Stephen Williams, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Steven Reyer, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Owe Petersen, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, 2008 Senior Design Writing – It’s About Teamwork, Communications and Lifelong LearningAbstractWriting is both the conveyance of information to others and, even more importantly, a processthat clarifies thoughts and ideas. It is a means of communication between people, making it anintegral part of the teamwork process. It is a vehicle for addressing issues that clearlydemonstrates continuous and life-long learning. A focus on writing in its various forms is anintegral tool for demonstrating our graduates are practicing and have achieved some of the keyABET-driven program outcomes.The writing communication requirements of our Electrical Engineering Senior Design sequenceare specifically designed to give

Conference Session

Innovations in ECE Education II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yakov Cherner, ATeL, LLC; Amin Karim, DeVry University; Ahmed Khan, DeVry University; Victor Rubanchik, Southern Federal University (Russia); Gary Mullett, Springfield Technical Community College

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

. B A C DFigure 7 Simulations designed for virtual exploration of signal reflection and distortion effects.Using the drag and drop option on simulations A and C in Figure 7, a student is able to movethe car around a parking lot and see how the different reflections from surrounding buildingsaffect the signal shape, phases, and amplitudes. S/he can choose between one or two pulsesignals and vary signal frequency, pulse duration, and delay between pulses. Simulations Band D help the student understand the Huggens-Fresnel principle and the impact of variousparameters on the structure of Fresnel’s zones, as well as what sources of secondary