Conference Session

Potpourri of First-Year Issues

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Farid Farahmand, Sonoma State University; Saeid Moslehpour, University of Hartford

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

how student designs have been used in the field.6. ConclusionIn this paper we reported on our pilot service-learning project integrated in theIntroduction to Engineering course. Our survey results indicate that our engineeringstudents engaged in this project developed better teamwork skills, communicationsabilities, and interests in community-based projects. These attributes are fundamental toABET accreditation process. Based on student responses, it was evident that the service-learning activity had a direct and profound positive impact on the students. We believethat these impacts were both real and may be long lasting. Furthermore, we believe thatour pilot service-learning project can be considered as an effective model to be replicatedby

Conference Session

Introducing Programming in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gregory Bucks, Purdue University; William Oakes, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-1431: INTEGRATION OF GRAPHICAL PROGRAMMING INTO AFIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING COURSEGregory Bucks, Purdue University GREGORY W. BUCKS is a PhD candidate in the school of Engineering Education at Purdue University. He received his BSEE from the Pennsylvania State University and his MSECE from Purdue University. His research interests lie in the development of conceptual understanding of computer programming concepts and the exploration of the pedagogical benefits of graphical programming languages.William Oakes, Purdue University William Oakes is the Director of the EPICS Program and an Associate Professor and a founding faculty member of the Department of Engineering Education at Purdue

Conference Session

Design in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sami Khorbotly, Ohio Northern University; Kenneth Reid, Ohio Northern University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

efforts in developping educational modules for freshman level classes.Kenneth Reid, Ohio Northern University Ken Reid is the Director of Freshman Engineering and an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Ohio Northern University. He was the seventh person in the U.S. to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Purdue University. He is active in engineering within K-12, serving on the JETS Board of Directors and 10 years on the IEEE-USA Precollege Education Committee. He co-developed “The Tsunami Model Eliciting Activity” which was awarded Best Middle School Curriculum by the Engineering Education Service Center in 2009. His research interests include

Conference Session

Research on The First Year II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Melissa Dagley-Falls, University of Central Florida; Michael Georgiopoulos, University of Central Florida; Cynthia Young, University of Central Florida

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

will have classes in the future,establishing a community earlier than the typical junior year when students enter the major22.Institutions implement learning communities as a way to increase student involvement, buildcommunity, create a connection to the curriculum, enhance student-student and student-facultyinteraction, and ultimately retain students24, 30-31.Students living in residential learning communities have been shown to have higher levels of (a)social interaction with faculty and peers, (b) persistence, (c) satisfaction with the institution, and(d) commitment to the institution23. Students have the opportunity to carry their conversationsoutside the classroom and into their living environment which allows for an overlap

Conference Session

Service Learning and Societal Issues in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carol Sevier, Boise State University; Seung Youn Chyung, Boise State University; Cheryl Schrader, Boise State University; Janet Callahan, Boise State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

the SL method in engineering classrooms. ≠ Integration of SL into a curriculum requires careful planning.15 Before implementing SL in a curriculum, assess needs of the local community while establishing positive rapport with the community, plan for overcoming potential challenges to be faced during the application of SL, and estimate resources required to successfully integrate SL into teaching and learning. ≠ Finding adequate projects suitable for freshman engineering students to complete can be a limiting factor. The client problems need to be of an appropriate scope and level of complexity; freshman engineering students have little to no experience with electronic design, 3D drawing and the

Conference Session

Introducing Programming in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Virgilio Gonzalez, University of Texas, El Paso; Eric Freudenthal, University of Texas, El Paso

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

modified course designed to introduce studentsto computer programming including an intense hands-on introduction to Python, C and electriccircuits. Continuing evaluation of introductory programming offerings at UTEP has motivatedevolutions in curriculum, course objectives, and evaluation strategies. Interestingly, the resultingcourse, which engages students in “computational reasoning,” integrates both programming and Page 15.1382.8mathematics, and is engaging students with weak math skills. Results from early evaluationefforts are encouraging and have lead to adoptions into other areas. We anticipate that studentswho attend the Electrical

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary First Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Dinehart, Villanova University; Joseph Yost, Villanova University; Shawn Gross, Villanova University; Aleksandra Radlinska, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

), theCenter for Nonlinear Dynamics and Control (CENDAC), and the Villanova Center for theAdvancement of Sustainability in Engineering (VCASE). There are a total of 68 full-timefaculty members that teach in the CoEVU, 58 of which are tenured or tenure-track. The CoEVU Page 15.1253.2is committed to an educational program that emphasizes technical excellence and a liberaleducation within the framework of the University's Augustinian and Catholic traditions.Engineering programs throughout the country continue to modify their curriculums in an effortto be more innovative, integrated and inclusive of “real world” hands-on experiences andexamples1-5

Conference Session

Design in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Pacella, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Taryn Bayles, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

these changes have had on other students as a teaching fellow.Implementation of this change has occurred over the past ten years via modifications and Page 15.93.2additions to the course curriculum. While the course still offers two fifty-minute sessionsof traditional lecture on principles of engineering science (dimensional analysis, dataanalysis, statics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer, and computational tools) and atwo-hour discussion session; a hands-on team-oriented project based learning designproject was added in an attempt to improve the overall effectiveness of the course byallowing students to become truly involved in their

Conference Session

Design in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Noelle Comolli, Villanova University; William Kelly, Villanova University; Qianhong Wu, Villanova University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

engineering major do you study principles associated with the diffusion of dissolved molecules across membranes (EE, ME, CHE)? 3. In which engineering discipline do you study strength of materials such as membranes and prosthetics (CHE, EE, ME)? 4. Does engineering help people (1=little,2,3,4,5=very much) 5. Are you excite about becoming an engineer (1=little,2,3,4,5=very much) 6. Engineers have an ethical obligation to do quality work (1=no,2,3,4,5=always) With regards to the first two questions about the engineering disciplines, approximately 80%of the students indicated in the pre and post class quizzes that flowing fluids and diffusion wascovered in the chemical engineering curriculum. There was a modest shift in class

Conference Session

Innovations in First Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Lewis, University of Louisville; Jeffrey Hieb, University of Louisville; David Wheatley, University of Louisville

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-1278: INTRODUCING CRITICAL THINKING TO FRESHMANENGINEERING STUDENTSJames Lewis, University of Louisville James E. Lewis, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Fundamentals in the J. B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. His research interests include parallel and distributed computer systems, cryptography, engineering education, undergraduate retention and technology (Tablet PCs) used in the classroom.Jeffrey Hieb, University of Louisville Jeffrey L. Hieb, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Fundamentals at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. His research interests include cyber security

Conference Session

Service Learning and Societal Issues in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John K. Estell, Ohio Northern University; Kenneth Reid, Ohio Northern University; Jed Marquart, Ohio Northern University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

that products designed to applicable constraints and combined withlocal empowerment can have an impact in markedly improving the lives of the less fortunate.Consequently, Polak’s ASEE presentation inspired instructors of the first-year engineeringcourses at Ohio Northern University to undertake, what was to some, a radical redesign of theircurriculum: the incorporation of a capstone project focusing on poverty alleviating designs for aThird World country.First-Year Engineering CurriculumThe first-year engineering curriculum at Ohio Northern University is a year-long (three quarter)sequence. The intent of the sequence is to both introduce students to interdisciplinary topics ofimportance in engineering and to integrate the students into

Conference Session

Research on the First Year I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Senay Purzer, Purdue University; Jing Chen, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-479: TEACHING DECISION-MAKING IN ENGINEERING: A REVIEWOF TEXTBOOKS AND TEACHING APPROACHESSenay Purzer, Purdue University Senay Purzer is an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. She is also the Co-Director of Assessment Research for the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE). She received a Ph.D. and a M.A in Science Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Her creative research focuses on collaborative learning, design & decision-making, and the role of engineering self-efficacy on student achievement.Jing Chen, Purdue University Jing Chen is a graduate student in the

Conference Session

Research on The First Year II

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stacy Bamberg, University of Utah; Debra Mascaro, University of Utah; Robert Roemer, University of Utah

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. He teaches courses in engineering design, and is interested in integrating the use of design projects and active learning throughout the curriculum to improve engineering education. Page 15.789.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2010 Interactive Learning Using a SPIRAL Approach in a Large Required First-Year Mechanical Engineering ClassAbstractThe use of active learning is being implemented in a large, required first-year MechanicalEngineering two-course sequence that is part of a

Conference Session

Introducing Programming in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Steven Gordon, The Ohio State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Ohio State University and the University of Akronwith instructors at both sites providing a coordinated curriculum. The major topics and activitiesfor the course are shown in Table 1. The modeling and simulation competencies were designedto meet those associated with the Introduction to Modeling and Simulation course being offeredas a part of an undergraduate minor program at The Ohio State University. The full descriptionof the minor program and those competencies can be found online. 14 Table 1: Summary of Major Course Topics and Competencies Topic Abbreviated Competency Activity/Assignment Explain the role of modeling in engineering

Conference Session

Service Learning and Societal Issues in the First Year

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian Savilonis, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; David Spanagel, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Kristin Wobbe, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

College ofEngineering, an institution which promised integrated project work in all four years of itscurriculum.3 Before and since, and in many places besides Olin, promising engineering studentshave been enticed to attend a variety of innovative technical education programs that promisereal-world experience, training in widely applicable communications skills, and an impeccablefoundation in the principles of design and professional standards of practice.For example, WPI placed project-based learning at the core of its academic program in the early1970’s when it redesigned its graduation requirements to include two major projects.4 Oneproject undertaken within the student’s major field of study is usually completed during thesenior year. Another

Conference Session

Research on the First Year I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Javarro Russell, James Madison University; Olga Pierrakos, James Madison University; Megan France, James Madison University; Ronald Kander, James Madison University; Robin Anderson, James Madison University; Heather Watson, James Madison University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Validity.Olga Pierrakos, James Madison University OLGA PIERRAKOS is an assistant professor in the new School of Engineering, which welcomed it inaugural class August 2008, at James Madison University. Dr. Pierrakos holds a B.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics, an M.S. in Engineering Mechanics, and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her interests in engineering education research center around recruitment and retention, understanding engineering students through the lens of identity theory, advancing problem based learning methodologies, assessing student learning, as well as understanding and integrating complex problem solving in undergraduate engineering education

Conference Session

Administering First-Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rick Williams, East Carolina University; William Howard, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

of electrical system component and analysisof mechanical system components that was taught by as many as four instructors. In short, thiscourse was what Clausing12 states a freshman course should not be; “a hodgepodge of peripheraltopics.”With the introduction of the new curriculum in the Fall of 2007, the engineering graphics contentbecame a separate two-hour course and the remaining content with the exception of Excel wascollapsed into the three-hour Introduction to Engineering course. With the creation of the newcourse, an effort was made to greatly reduce the “hodgepodge of peripheral topics.” This wasaccomplished for the most part by integrating the topics with the robot project. As an example,the old course taught project management

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary First Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ismail Jouny, Lafayette College; Polly Piergiovanni, Lafayette College

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

longer tube shows conditions where assumptions are no longer valid. A similar lab has been discussed in [1]. ≠ Differential equations. A heat transfer lab using a cup heater with a conducting surface on top demonstrates another application of engineering modeling. The model solution includes the error function, which is introduced to the students in Excel and Matlab. ≠ Logarithms and exponential equations. A pressurized vessel provides another example of engineering modeling. The model solution is an exponential equation. The students find model parameters by linearizing the equation. They also plot the data on logarithmic paper, and skill we have found students lack. ≠ Integration. An

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary First Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Timothy Hinds, Michigan State University; Thomas Wolff, Michigan State University; Amanda Idema, Michigan State University; Neeraj Buch, Michigan State University; Carmellia Davis-King, Michigan State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Cornerstone Engineering InitiativeThe newly designed Cornerstone Engineering program by the MSU College of Engineering,seeks to address the concerns stated above, by developing curriculum and learning experiencesthat will allow students to remain agile and adaptive in the ever-changing employment market.As an integrated first-year engineering experience, the Cornerstone Engineering program seeksto provide early engineering students with a broad introduction to engineering design, theengineering profession and its expectations (e.g. working in the global workplace, engineeringethics, etc.), engineering problem-solving skills and teamwork skills. This component, which werefer to as design engineering, aligns directly with the recommendations of the

Conference Session

Research on the First Year I

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rhonda Kowalchuk, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Tarnisha Green, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Robert Ricks, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; John Nicklow, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

of retention change throughout the firsttwo years of an engineering program and predictors of graduation vary across universities. 3Tinto’s 4 Student Integration Theory posits that students enter university with varied backgroundcharacteristics and goal commitments which in turn influences their integration into theinstitution’s environment and thus their performance in college. “Given individualcharacteristics, prior experiences, and commitments, … it is the individual’s integration into theacademic and social systems of the college that most directly relates to his continuance in thatcollege” (p. 96).A summer program represents a transition for targeted students who have been admitted to auniversity for the fall semester. Programs

Conference Session

Mentoring First Year Students

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daina Briedis, Michigan State Univesity; Nathaniel Ehrlich, Michigan State University; Colleen McDonough, Michigan State University; Jon Sticklen, Michigan State University; Thomas Wolff, Michigan State University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-420: THE EEES/CONNECTOR FACULTY PROGRAM: SURVEYS OFATTITUDES, EXPERIENCE AND EVALUATIONSDaina Briedis, Michigan State Univesity Dr. Daina Briedis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University. Dr. Briedis has been involved in several areas of education research including student retention, curriculum redesign, and the use of technology in the classroom. She is a co-PI on two NSF grants in the areas of integration of computation in engineering curricula and in developing comprehensive strategies to retain early engineering students. She is active nationally and internationally in engineering accreditation and is a

Conference Session

Mentoring First Year Students

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rose Marra, University of Missouri; Whitney Edmister, Virginia Tech; Bevlee Watford, Virginia Tech; Barbara Bogue, Pennsylvania State University; Chia-Lin Tsai, University of Missouri; Fleur Gooden, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-384: PEER MENTORING: IMPACT ON MENTEES AND COMPARISONWITH NON-PARTICIPANTSRose Marra, University of Missouri ROSE M. MARRA is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri. She is Co-Director of the NSF-funded Assessing Women andMen in Engineering (AWE) and Assessing Women In Student Environments (AWISE) projects and Co-PI of the National Girls Collaborative Project. Her research interests include gender equity issues, the epistemological development of college students, and promoting meaningful learning in web-based environments.Whitney Edmister, Virginia Tech WHITNEY A. EDMISTER is the Assistant Director of the

Conference Session

Administering First-Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gretchen Hein, Michigan Technological University; Amber Kemppainen, Michigan Technological University; Susan Amato-Henderson, Michigan Technological University; Jason Keith, Michigan Technological University; Melissa Roberts, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

education. At Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech),we had three different groups (faculty, graduate students and upper level undergraduate students)develop design activities. These activities were developed for the ENG1001/1100 coursesequence for first-year students who were enrolled in pre-calculus as their first math course atMichigan Tech as part of an NSF CCLI Phase 1 grant (DUE: 0836861). All groups developedengineering activities that included a: Design/Model/Build sequence, Matlab mathematicalmodel, spreadsheet analyses, and technical communication of their activities. For thecomponents listed previously, lectures and class activities, project description and deliverablesand example Matlab codes were developed for the

Conference Session

Potpourri of First-Year Issues

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John K. Estell, Ohio Northern University; Kenneth Reid, Ohio Northern University; Laurie Laird, Ohio Northern University

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

University Ken Reid is the Director of Freshman Engineering and an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science at Ohio Northern University. He was the seventh person in the U.S. to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Purdue University. He is active in engineering within K-12, serving on the JETS Board of Directors and 10 years on the IEEE-USA Precollege Education Committee. He co-developed “The Tsunami Model Eliciting Activity” which was awarded Best Middle School Curriculum by the Engineering Education Service Center in 2009. His research interests include success in first-year engineering and engineering in K-12.Laurie Laird, Ohio Northern

Conference Session

Potpourri of First-Year Issues

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rod Paton, University of Auckland; Chris Smaill, University of Auckland; Gerard Rowe, University of Auckland

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

AC 2010-1079: FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AHIGH-SCHOOL TEACHER.Rod Paton, University of Auckland Rod Paton holds BSc and MSc degrees in physics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He has been teaching high-school science and physics since the start of 1994. For the past 12 years he has been Head of Physics at Westlake Boys’ High School, Auckland, New Zealand. Rod has integrated ICT into the school’s physics programs and developed problem-solving books and practical manuals to enhance the skills and abilities of all students. His main research interests are centred on implementing steps to improve the problem-solving and academic-writing abilities of high-school

Conference Session

Administering First-Year Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Russell Korte, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; David Goldberg, University of Illinois, Urbana

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

conceptual rigor. It is calledphilosophy and early efforts in iFoundry were devoted to (and continue in) better connecting Page 15.1130.3philosophy and engineering in ways that help change engineering faculty minds through themaking of better arguments.Together, the need for appropriate organizational and conceptual change efforts have played arole in iFoundry’s development from the beginning. However, the coming of the first freshmenin Fall 2009 necessitated more focused thinking about students, their engagement, and how tocreate an experience that would be maximally impactful with modest resources and a relativelysmall footprint in the curriculum

Conference Session

Mentoring First Year Students

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dan Budny, University of Pittsburgh; Alaine Allen, University of Pittsburgh; Jeremy Tartt, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

them butto inspire them to succeed. By the end of the battle Jane and the Dragon were best friends. That is something what wasonce an enemy now became allies. The battle taught them to respect each other and to trust oneanother. The same can be said about knowledge. The same materials they are struggling with inthe classroom with become the tools of their trade in the future, and they will learn to respecteach science and the value it adds to engineering. In the end Jane returns to become a hero. The same people that made fun of her in thebeginning now respect her. Thus, do not let your present conditions predict your futurepossibilities.DOES IT WORK?As the Table 7 shows, the changes we made to the Freshman Curriculum including focusing