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A Paperless Engineering Technology First-Year Seminar Course Emphasizing Critical Thinking, Communication, and Teamwork

Scott Segalewitz University of Dayton

Abstract

The engineering technology first-year seminar provides students with an effective introduction to engineering technology principles and practices. Facilitated by the department chair, University of Dayton Engineering Technology students experience tools necessary for success in a technical curriculum. The course is essentially paperless, taking advantage of currently available Web technology while reinforcing the University's mission of “connected learning.” The course outcomes align to meet many of the department's goals including developing scholarship and critical thinking skills, leadership and team building; problem solving and decision-making, professional ethics, and communication skills. This one-credit hour course contains exercises and discussion in professional ethics and integrity, goal setting, effective learning, early career development, networking, University policies and procedures, and an introduction to engineering technology disciplines. By keeping the class size relatively small, these tools are presented in a collaborative manner that facilitates active learning and stresses critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. Requirements for homework assignments, which vary between individual work and group collaboration, are posted on the course Web site, and all assignments are submitted electronically. Overall, students report a high degree of satisfaction with this course. They welcome the interaction with their peers, and appreciate the flexibility afforded them through electronic communication.

Introduction

It is common knowledge that a strong technical curriculum is required to produce graduates who are ready to enter the workforce. However, success in college hinges on the student’s ability to excel in a new learning environment where the focus of their educational experience is on discovery and active learning. This is further complicated by the fact that for many first-year students, university life represents their first prolonged experience being in control of their own education and environment. This new environment can present an insurmountable challenge for first-year students. Nationally, approximately 30% of college students do not survive their first year 1.

The University of Dayton Department of Engineering Technology currently has four programs accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commissions of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET), and a relatively new program in

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Segalewitz, S. (2002, June), A Paperless Engineering Technology First Year Seminar Course Emphasizing Critical Thinking, Communication, And Teamwork Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10611