Conference Session

Capstone Projects and Experiential Learning

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tianrui Bai, Southwest Jiaotong University; Jinwen Zhu, Missouri Western State University; Virendra Varma, Missouri Western State University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

soft skills, such as communications and working in teams, etc. A capstonedesign project or other integrating experience is a major design component in engineeringand technology curricula. The Technology and Engineering criteria (TAC and EAC) ofthe Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) emphasize theimportance of a capstone experience in the curriculum. The capstone design projectsrequire students to use fundamental scientific concepts and basic technical skills learnedin the classroom to solve ‘real-world’ problems instead of answering end-of-the chapterquestions from the textbook. The capstone projects provide an opportunity for students todemonstrate critical thinking skills. It prepares them better to assume the

Conference Session

ECET Curriculum

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gary Mullett, Springfield Technical Community College; Adrienne Smith, Springfield Technical Community College

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

evolution of electronics had on ET education? Today’s technician typicallydoes not repair to the part level. Instead, today’s technician evaluates system operation andperformance, performs maintenance by replacing field replaceable units (FRUs) or sub-systems,and alters equipment operation and functionality through software patches and/or upgrades via aconnected laptop computer. The traditional “hands-on” aspect of repair has taken on a new look.Industry today is looking for individuals that can troubleshoot from a systems perspective andthat also have the soft skills necessary to deal with the customer and other members of thecompany “team”. Has the typical ET program’s curricula kept up with these changes? In mostcases, this author would guess

Conference Session

Student Learning and Teamwork

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Charlie Edmonson, University of Dayton; Donna Summers, University of Dayton

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. She obtained her Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Page 12.927.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2007 Session Integrating Teamwork Across the CurriculumAbstractThe ability to work on teams is a very important business skill. Some educators chooseto call it a “soft skill.” However, our Industrial Advisory Committee members and thebusinesses hiring our graduates choose to call it a “critical skill

Conference Session

Emerging Trends in Industrial Technology

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wesley Stone, Western Carolina University; Zachary Kuhn, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

-wavelength, five-axis laser machining centerfrom Oxford Lasers in Oxford, England has provided those Engineering Technology students theopportunity to learn and practice high-tech skills related to laser machining, part marking, datamatrices, and computer-aided design and manufacturing. Additionally, the data from this multi-faceted machine can be used to develop soft skills that are transferable across industrial fields,such as those practiced in the six sigma quality methodology. The results presented in this papershow some of the capabilities of this machine, as well as two DOEs (design of experiments).The DOEs illustrate the relationship between data matrix quality (2-D barcode) and process inputparameters, namely pen style, power, hatch, and

Conference Session

TC2K Methods and Models

Collection

2007 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gregory Watkins, University of North Carolina-Charlotte; Nan Byars, University of North Carolina-Charlotte; Deborah Sharer, University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

require projects were identified. For eachcourse measurement, a student opportunity, in terms of an assignment, test question, laboratoryresult or observation, or a portion of a project, was explicitly defined. Care was taken to ensurethat for each outcome, measures were taken from a variety of different sources, for example, atest question, a laboratory observation and a peer evaluation, rather than three different testquestions.This was effective for most performance criteria, and also most competencies within Criterion 2.But it was determined that the so-called soft skills, such as a recognition of the need for, and anability to engage in lifelong learning, and a respect for diversity and a knowledge ofcontemporary professional, societal and