Conference Session

Mechanics Classroom Demonstrations

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brianno D. Coller, Northern Illinois University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

complexity are revealed. Education scholars3-7 who study videogames have found that the most successful games often incorporate mechanisms that “teach”their players to solve complex problems by leveraging learning pedagogies such asconstructionism, inquiry-based learning and anchored instruction. Players are motivated to learnwithin video games because it is clear that knowledge is powerful. Learning is situated, and Page 25.1055.2occurs through a process of hypothesizing, probing, and reflecting upon the simulated worldwithin the game. The goals are clear. Games provide players immediate and unambiguousfeedback on how well they are progressing

Conference Session

Capstone Design II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohamed E. El-Sayed, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

processes are revisited. Clear understanding of these processes inrelation to realization is vital for having realistic expectations, and achieving the course outcomes.Several examples are presented to illustrate the concepts and processes discussed.IntroductionGrowing number of national reports and articles stress the need for incorporating innovative forms ofteaching1,2. In response, there is a need to redesign, reform, and continuously improve engineeringeducational programs and experiences. Capstone design courses, being the last educational experience ofmost programs, must reflect these improvements through innovative teaching that include currentengineering developments and practices.In a recent study, the concept of realization was expanded

Conference Session

Pedagogical Advancements in Engineering Management

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kathryn D. Abel, Stevens Institute of Technology; Anirban Ganguly, Stevens Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering

, therefore making it important to both academicians, as well as, practitioners. EM as aformal degree has been present since the mid 1940s 3 and currently, there are more than 100universities in the US offering an undergraduate and / or graduate program in EM. EM programswere historically embedded within the departments of industrial engineering, depending upon theuniversities 4. However, in order to reflect the gradual shift from manufacturing to turn-keysystems integrators in a global economic environment, many more universities are aligning theirEM programs with their systems engineering program 5.Importance of Analyzing FailuresFailure analysis is the process of collecting and analyzing data to determine the cause of afailure. It relies on

Conference Session

Design Tools and Methodology I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nathan Delson, University of California, San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

open-ended text input categories, which provide specific feedback and thus identify moredirectly areas of improvement that are needed. It is hoped that the best of both tools can beintegrated together for an even wider use of on-line peer review.AcknowledgmentsThe author would like to thank Bob Clay who wrote the code for the peer review tool, MarkAnderson and Jerry Tustaniwskyj who have used the tool in their courses, and the ASEEreviewers who pointed the author to the CATME work.Appendixes I. Teamwork reflections II. ABET AssessmentReferences 1. Matthew W. Ohland, Misty L. Loughry, Rufus L. Carter, Lisa G. Bullard, Richard M. Felder, Cynthia J. Finelli, Richard A. Layton, and Douglas G. Schmucker , "Developing a

Conference Session

BME Laboratory and Project Experiences

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Barbara Burks Fasse Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology; Essy Behravesh, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Biomedical

BiomedicalEngineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University conducted a comparison study of analternative pedagogical approach to traditional instructional labs. Using backward design(McTighe and Thomas, 2003) in which curriculum change is developed around identified anddefined “big ideas” that give rise to essential questions and authentic performances, theBiomedical Engineering (BME) systems physiology lab instruction was reverse-engineered toreflect relevant skills-- that is, a focus on the practices, and experiences valued by the BMEpractitioners as well as employers and colleagues in the professional domain. Theinterdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering indicates a need to structure the acceptedpractices of the typical biology lab to reflect the

Conference Session

New Classrooms, New Challenges I: Novel Approaches to Courses

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arthur Felse, Northwestern University

Tagged Divisions

Chemical Engineering

. Thispaper will also discuss a unified approach to connect engineering principles, regulatoryguidelines and written communication. This module fits well with the recent emphasis of ABETon safety in teaching labs. Several (although not all) safety guidelines are addressed in regulatorycompliance. The only prerequisite is that students have some knowledge of bio/chemical processtechnologies. Since RC is more of a practice than absolute science, assignments and testsdeveloped in this module to reflect the ‘practice’ component will be described in this paper. Page 25.1111.3The need for regulatory compliance instruction:Regulatory compliance is no longer

Conference Session

Technological Literacy and the Non-science College Student

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert M. Brooks, Temple University; Jyothsna Kavuturu; Mehmet Cetin, Temple University

Tagged Divisions

Technological and Engineering Literacy/Philosophy of Engineering

in fall 2007 to non-science majors as a science corerequirement using the traditional lecture method. An experimental group was taught the abovefour areas in spring 2010 using four indices: (1) learning from three Hands On and Minds Onlabs, (2) using Closer Looks, (3) case studies, and (4) development of critical thinking ability.The four areas were properly balanced and applied in the four indices. The performance of thestudents was evaluated using a series of special assignments reflecting the four indices. Theassignments accounted for 20% of the course grade. The grading formula for the control andexperimental groups are shown in Table 1. Appendices 1, 2, and 3 show examples ofassignments that addressed critical thinking, case study, and

Conference Session

Current Issues in Construction Education

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Suat Gunhan, University of Texas, San Antonio; Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu, University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

Construction

conditions, the revenue   generated from the registered green projects constituted 26.2% of the total construction revenueof the top 100 green contractors in 2008 which corresponds to 70% increase in one year 4. Thetop 400 contractors' total revenue grew only 11.2% in the same year 5.The increasing presence of the green building projects was also reflected in the project deliverymethod choices for such projects. Kibert (2005) groups the contemporary construction deliverymethods used in the United States as Design-Bid-Build, Construction Management at Risk (CMat Risk) and Design-Build6. The contractual relationships related to these different deliverymethods directly affect the stage of involvement for construction contractors. There is no

Conference Session

Laboratory Experiences with Thermal and Chemical Systems and Sensors

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hosni I. Abu-Mulaweh, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

apparatus is a challenge due to typical budgetarylimitations. In addition, the apparatus designed by companies specializing in educationequipment may not exactly reflect the educational objective intended by the faculty. Theseobstacles had forced us to seek and search different venues to acquire experimental laboratoryapparatus for demonstrating heat transfer principles. We concluded that such an apparatus can bedesigned, developed and constructed “in house” within a manageable budget. This can besuccessfully accomplished by taking advantage of the capstone senior design project andASHRAE Undergraduate Senior Project Grant Program. The purpose of this ASHRAE’sprogram is to fund equipment for undergraduate engineering senior projects on ASHRAE

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mohamed Abdelrahman, Texas A&M University, Kingsville; Reza Nekovei, Texas A&M University, Kingsville; Alexandra Chincarini, RETainUS

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views ofthe National Science Foundation.Bibliography[1] Avouris, P. (2004). Supertubes. IEEE Spectrum , 41-45.[2] Buzatu, D. A., Biris, A. S., Biris, A. R., Lupu, D. M., Darsey, J. A., & Mazumder, M. K. (2004). Electronic Properties of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Their Dependence on Sythetic Methods. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications , 1215-1219.[3] Meletov, K. P., Krestinin, A. V., Arvanitidis, J., Christofilos, D., & Kourouklis, G. A. (2010). Thermally Induced Softening of the Radial Breathing Modes of Bundled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. Fullerenes, Nanotubes, and Carbon Nanostructures , 538-544.[4] Saito, R., Dresselhaus, G., & Dresselhaus, M. S

Conference Session

Innovative Energy Projects

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Steven R. Walk, Old Dominion University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

purpose beyond, "It is assigned". 2. Support the learner in developing ownership for the overall problem or task. 3. Design an authentic task. 4. Design the task and the learning environment to reflect the complexity of the environment they should be able to function in at the end of learning. 5. Give the learner ownership of the process used to develop a solution. 6. Design the learning environment to support and challenge the learner's thinking. 7. Encourage testing ideas against alternative views and alternative contexts. 8. Provide opportunityIn having students participate in the lab design, the author observed many of these elements ofdiscovery-based learning in the volunteer students‟ approach and behavior. While this

Conference Session

Model Eliciting Activities

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nora Siewiorek, University of Pittsburgh; Larry J. Shuman, University of Pittsburgh; Mary E. Besterfield-Sacre, University of Pittsburgh; Natasa S. Vidic, University of Pittsburgh; Karen M. Bursic, University of Pittsburgh; Scott Streiner, University of Pittsburgh; Jeffrey Coull

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

(including assumptions, decisions made about the problem andsolution strategies).Because MEAs can address a combination of technical and professional skills, it is morechallenging to assess the resultant student learning. For full impact, instructors must guide thestudents’ learning and provide targeted feedback; especially if it appears that misconceptionsexist, often best observed through students’ self-reflection reporting. We have reportedelsewhere the impact of MEAs on conceptual learning and the instructors’ perspectives aboutusing MEAs in the classroom11, and the improvement of student attainment of ABET outcomes,especially the professional skills, in using MEAs12, 13

Conference Session

Global Engineering Education: Cross-cultural Awareness and Social Impacts

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Melany M. Ciampi, Safety, Health, and Environment Research Organization; Claudio da Rocha Brito, Science and Education Research Council

Tagged Divisions

International

what is called CIB – CulturalImmersion in Brazil: It is a project that brings to Brazil students from abroad in a program of 15days (can be more or less) when they have academic, technical, social and cultural activities. It isvery intensive period when the students visit 5 of the 9 cities of Atlantic Forest Region at the seashore of Sao Paulo state, as well as visit to different industries and universities.The program is designed in order to provide engineering students the opportunity to reflect aboutengineering social responsibility and ethical dilemmas when developing projects. This awarenessis becoming more and more necessary due to the environmental/ethical/economical crises thathumanity is facing and that impacts not only the society

Conference Session

Methods of Teaching and Learning in Construction

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kirsten A. Davis, Boise State University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

study at all because they thoughtthey already knew the information well enough (inaccurate self-knowledge). We also see the Page 25.1200.2student with a similar grade who claims to have studied for hours. It is obvious to us that theyare not using a study method that works for them, yet they are not changing their methods (poorself-regulation).Students also unreasonably expect that their assignment and test grades should reflect not justtheir achievements, but also the amount of time and effort they expend4. Yet they are spendingless time studying than ever before5. Most colleges state that students should spendapproximately two hours (or

Conference Session

Energy Conversion and Conservation Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Constantine Nicholas Tzouanas; Vassilios Tzouanas, University of Houston, Downtown

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

1 percent of total energy consumption is solar, compared withroughly 85 percent from oil, natural gas, and coal1.Even though a number of technologies are already available, improving them to a level that leadsto widespread use of solar power requires continued research and engineering efforts. This workfocuses on one of these technologies, namely the photovoltaic (PV) systems.PV systems are comprised of photovoltaic cells. A photovoltaic cell is designed to convertradiant energy in light to electrical energy that can be used to power devices. They are usuallymade of semiconductors, like silicon, and have an anti-reflective coating. In a photovoltaic cell,one side has a positive charge and the other side has a negative charge. When photons

Conference Session

Factors Affecting Student Performance

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jessica R. McCormick, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis; Eugenia Fernandez, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis; Danny King, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

asynchronous online version was later developed in the semester and available to students inearly October 2010. Participants were prohibited from enrolling in Spring 2011 classes until theycompleted both steps of the workshop process.The workshop focused on challenges to student academic success. Students were able to definetheir personal goals and the resources that were most appropriate to help them overcome theirchallenges. Completion of an academic self-assessment grid was used to guide students throughthe self-identification of challenges to their academic success. A copy was given to the studentand the other was returned to the advisor to review prior to the follow-up appointment. Studentsthen participated in an academic reflective activity

Conference Session

Student Entrepreneurial and Innovative Mindset

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel Raviv, Florida Atlantic University

Tagged Divisions

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation

challenged with a specific problem;team settings that promote group divergent thinking, discussions and competitions; and,collectively, where all students generate ideas for a given challenge. Some activities are designed to be self-paced; others have strict time constraints,leading to ideation under pressure. The instructions for the activities are very clear andconcise allowing participants to be relieved from unnecessary constraints or assumptions.Following each activity, a short discussion session is facilitated to reflect on the activity’sgoals, challenges and results. Even though some of the activities may not be new, they are stillintroduced with different twists and/or with a new set of instructions. This paper describes a

Conference Session

Capstone Design I

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carl D. Sorensen, Brigham Young University; Robert H. Todd, Brigham Young University; Taylor Halverson, Brigham Young University

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

determining the values of critical design parameters, using focused physical or focused analytical prototypes. c. Perform a basic FMEA analysis to identify critical risks that should be addressed in a project. d. Manage the complexity of the detailed design phase through the use of a Work Breakdown Structure and project schedule based on that structure. e. Create a final prototype that reflects, to the extent possible, the product information package. f. Perform and document acceptance tests that determine how well the final prototype meets the final specifications developed in the concept

Conference Session

Social Media and In-class Technology: Creating Active Learning Environments

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Xin Chen, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Mihaela Vorvoreanu, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Krishna Madhavan, Purdue University, West Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Computers in Education

equipped with 2D digital whiteboards, 3D wall display andspecialized software for engineering visualization combining both qualitative and quantitativedata from observation, interview, survey, and examination of students’ work16.The studies above collect data using traditional methods such as survey, interview, focus group,and observation. Traditional prompt methods such as survey and interview usually require theparticipants to remember and reflect on what they have experienced, which may not be accurateand fresh anymore. Even with observation, the participants might behave unnaturally knowingthey are being observed. Moreover, data collected through these methods are usually confined tospecific institutions or classes. This paper complements

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Poster Session

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Marc J. Sanborn P.E., U.S. Military Academy; Kathryn T. Purchase, U.S. Military Academy; Brock E. Barry P.E., U.S. Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering

examination question which required some form ofapplication, inference or analysis.9From their first days in an academic environment, students are trained to study for examinationsand often use memorization.12 Beyond that, the practice most students get in math based coursesare focused on the fundamental concepts and thus exist as in-class or homework problems wherethe student takes given variables and uses newly- learned concepts and solves for an answer.“Standard exercises ask students to carry out mathematical procedures, not to think aboutthem.”13 Hubbard notes that exercises involve substituting into a formula and carrying out a listof procedures which rarely ask students to reflect on the results or extend thought beyond thenumerical answer

Conference Session

Integrating Research

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alison M. Knight, Mayo Clinic; Gillian M. Nicholls, University of Alabama, Huntsville; Paul J. Componation, University of Alabama, Huntsville

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering

reflected the average of thetotal number of attempts for that assignment. For example, if a student scored 80, 90, and 100for the three assignment attempts for Homework #1, the Homework #1 assignment score wouldbe 90. If another student scored 90 and 100 and used only two attempts for Homework #1, thenthe assignment score would be a 95. Students quickly realized that in this scenario they wouldearn a higher score if they repeated the assessment a third time to earn a second 100 and increasethe average.Because these homework assignments were identical for each student and the questions hadmultiple choice answers, the instructors realized that either guessing or the sharing of answersamong students was possible. To counteract the effect of this

Conference Session

Best. Class. Ever.

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bernard J. Van Wie, Washington State University; David B. Thiessen, Washington State University; Marc Compere, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ., Daytona Beach FL; Ximena Toro; Jennifer C Adam, Washington State University; Shane A. Brown P.E., Washington State University; Andrew P Easley, Washington State University; Xuesong Li P.E., Washington State University; Kevin Lee, University of Idaho; Mert Colpan, Washington State University; Kevin Tyler Gray, Washington State University; Benjamin Garrett, Washington State University; Shane Riley Reynolds, Washington State University; Paul B. Golter, Washington State University; Olusola Adesope, Washington State University, Pullman

Tagged Divisions

Chemical Engineering

strategies being developed are broadly applicablewe will just present one instance, with the civil engineering cartridge, of the identification ofmisconceptions and experimental design for assessing the impact of the DLM on learning. Theassessment includes a pre- and post-test assessment to determine improvement in understandingbasic concepts and persistence and/or repair of misconceptions. Concrete Experience IntroductionHands on teaching methods have a long historyof use in science and engineering. Usually this is Active Experimentation Reflective Observationseen in the form of laboratory classes that eitheraccompany a lecture course to reinforce con-cepts and teach research skills

Conference Session

Assessments, Assessments, and Assessments

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Waddah Akili, Iowa State University

Tagged Divisions

New Engineering Educators

activities that support declared goals and student learning, often referredto as educative assessment (8, 27) .This would include decisions on how to provideinformation on students’ strengths and their mastery of course material, as well asguidance on how to proceed with learning activities to insure compliance withdefined goals and how to improve students’ performance and their grasp of newmaterial. Students will eventually need reliable feedback on their performance thatallows them to move forward as learners and deepens their understanding of thesubject matter. This feedback could come from the instructor, their classmates, theirown self-reflection, or a combination of the three.(27, 28)Another important factor in the optimization process is to

Conference Session

The Teacher as Manager: Best Practices for Culminating Design Experiences

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michelle Oswald Beiler P.E., Bucknell University; Arthur D. Kney, Lafayette College; David A. Veshosky, Lafayette College

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering

c American Society for Engineering Education, 2012 Integrating The Charrette Process into Engineering Education: A Case Study on a Civil Engineering Capstone CourseABSTRACTAs engineering educators rethink the structure and value of capstone courses, many have turnedto practical applications. In order to reflect the recent approaches within engineering, capstonecourses can be enhanced through the integration of charrettes. Charrettes are hands-on,collaborative sessions where stakeholders come to a design consensus. These sessions provideopportunities for students to improve communication, technical evaluation, teamwork, peerevaluation and professionalism skills. This research provides a framework for adapting thecharrette

Conference Session

Epistemic Research

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erick Jacob Nefcy, Oregon State University; Edith Stanley Gummer, Education Northwest; Milo Koretsky, Oregon State University

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

Conference Session

Thinking About the Engineering Curriculum

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Judith A. Sunderman, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Raymond L. Price, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

engineering. Two interview protocols reflected the nature and level of participation in the incubator,but it became apparent almost immediately that knowledge of the incubator was bounded by theduration of association, specific circumstances, and intensity of participation.36 For this reasoninterviews varied widely lasting as few as 44 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. All of theinterviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Identifying information was removed; thetranscription was dated, and a code assigned. The transcription code identified the tier and aninterview sequence number. An excel file served as the interview code key. The code keyremained the only identifying link between interviewee and interview data. Interviews were

Conference Session

The Role of Robotics in K-12 Engineering

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Can Saygin, University of Texas, San Antonio; Timothy T. Yuen, University of Texas, San Antonio; Heather J. Shipley, University of Texas, San Antonio; Hung-da Wan, University of Texas, San Antonio; David Akopian, University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

possible in order to obtain significant amount of data in terms ofthe effectiveness of the 5-Step ALC model. 4. ConclusionsIn this paper, we share our experiences related to the development of teacher workshops andstudent camps focused on educational robotics based on an active learning model. Ourconclusions can be summarized as follows:  Understanding a concept entails having a mental model that reflects the structure of the concept and its relationship to other concepts. Therefore, presenting organized knowledge through concepts that are combined to form propositions that show the relationship among concepts is essential.  Learning is an active and continual process, where knowledge is constructed, continually updated, and

Conference Session

Design Potpourri

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nicholas Charles Cappello, York College of Pennsylvania; Takeshi Jonathan Ei, York College of Pennsylvania; Edward Miller Jr., York College of Pennsylvania; Dan Bosse, Weldon Solutions; Berne S. Edwards, Graham Packaging Company; Kala Meah, York College of Pennsylvania; Stephen N. Kuchnicki, York College of Pennsylvania; Gregory M. Link, York College of Pennsylvania; Wayne Blanding, York College of Pennsylvania; Scott F. Kiefer, York College of Pennsylvania

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

and validation work performed on the prototype.One of the current projects at YCP reflect the growing need for multidisciplinary thinking [2] and theapplication of a broad range of engineering tools: the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC)project. For the 2010-11 academic year, a team of ten computer, electrical and mechanical engineeringstudents designed and fabricated an all-new ground vehicle for YCP’s second showing at the IGVC [4].The vehicle was designed for autonomous operation to include the capabilities of detecting and reactingto obstacles in its path, recognizing and following established lanes, and navigating to and fromprescribed way points. A variety of sensing, computing, structural, and electromechanical

Conference Session

Understanding Our Students II

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shannon Ciston, University of California, Berkeley; Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, University of New Haven; Viktoria Zelenak, University of New Haven; Michael J. Hollis, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

value and they can do the calculations and they don’t think too much about it. ...my life experience comes in handy and sometimes the professor will talk about an abstract topic and I’ll see all the kids glaze over because they Page 25.136.12 don’t understand what he’s talking about, but I’ll have a life experience that actually does.” Leadership skillsHalf of the informants reflected that they have been able to apply management and leadershipskills to working with groups of other engineering students, by helping team members tocommunicate with one another, manage conflict, stay focused, and distribute tasks

Conference Session

Innovatiive Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jorge Crichigno, Northern New Mexico College; Ivan Lopez Hurtado, Northern New Mexico College

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

other programs. As one of the fastest growing areas,computer networks is experiencing a dramatic need of professionals with solid foundations andpractical hands-on experience. This need has been reflected, to some extent, into the curricula ofcomputing degrees such as Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information EngineeringTechnology, and others, where computer networks is now unquestionably included. Forexample, the curriculum guidelines for undergraduate degree programs in InformationEngineering Technology of ACM and IEEE Computer Society consider networking as a pillarfor any modern program 1. Page 25.149.2Despite these recent