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2008 GSW

Authors

Farrokh Attarzadeh; Miguel A. Ramos; Enrique Barbieri

variables varied slightly. However, the effectiveness of assessments in spring2007 was tenuous. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the results aswell as outlining next steps in the assessment process for the course. IntroductionThe intent of the Computer Engineering Technology capstone course (ELET 4308) is toprovide students with a dynamic learning environment that simulates industryexpectations (e.g. deadlines and production of deliverables). The assessment andevaluation structure of the course encourages active participation and exposes students toall phases of the project development life cycle. Technical depth of the subject, teamwork, planning, scope, student commitment and successful

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2008 GSW

Authors

Eddie Miller; Chun L. Huang

initial calculations Conclusion The use of computational fluid dynamics, in accompaniment with experimental and theoreticalaspects of science, allows student to learn all three aspects of fluid flow, heat transfer, or otherscientific disciplines. The FLUENT software further exposes them to the same type of software thatis often used in industry. It will avoid the often steep learning curves and give the student a morepractical experience in engineering or science education. The FLUENT software also gives a moreaccurate calculation in determining unknown outcomes. The numerical simulations further allowstudents to change parameters to obtain a better understanding of a problem’s theory

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2008 GSW

Authors

Farrokh Attarzadeh; Enrique Barbieri; Ankur Shukla; Prafulla Kesari

Session 4-3 The Role of the Teaching Assistants in a Senior Level Computer Engineering Technology Capstone Class Farrokh Attarzadeh, Enrique Barbieri, Ankur Shukla, Prafulla Kesari Engineering Technology Department University of Houston AbstractThe paper describes the role of the Teaching Assistants (TAs) in the capstone class in theComputer Engineering Technology (CET) program in the Engineering TechnologyDepartment, College of Technology (CoT) at the University of Houston. The TAsrecruited are required to have the knowledge and

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2008 GSW

Authors

Gary Rubendall; Sergio Chacon; Mequanint Moges

Session 12-8 Project-Based Learning of Telecommunication Networking Gary Rubendall, Sergio Chacon and Mequanint Moges Engineering Technology Department University of Houston AbstractThis paper presents a student project in the telecommunications course that has beendeveloped to provide a solution that is an improvement over a baseline design. Thebaseline design is the Optical Network Research Laboratory, a telecommunicationsnetwork used by the College of Technology and the AT&T Technology Laboratory fortraining and research. The project uses

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2008 GSW

Authors

William Jordan

good for many of the specific technical portions of the Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Gulf-Southwest Annual Conference The University of New Mexico—Albuquerque Copyright © 2008, American Society for Engineering Educationdesign, but computers are not able to analyze the needs and wishes of the localcommunity.Oakes suggests14 that the practice of engineering service learning should bedone in a democratic way. This does not mean that everyone votes oneverything. It does mean that the local community gets input into the decisionmaking process. This includes not only what topics to design but also how thedesign works. If the design works in a culturally offensive manner, it will not beused.This local

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2008 GSW

Authors

Susan M. Bogus; Kerry J. Howe

Session 6-4 Innovative Design-Build Approach to Project-Based Learning Susan M. Bogus Civil Engineering Department University of New Mexico Kerry J. Howe Civil Engineering Department University of New Mexico AbstractAll undergraduates in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of New Mexico must takea senior capstone course in the last semester before graduation. The

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2008 GSW

Authors

Sergio Chacon; Mequanint Moges

class room only type training and the skills required by those high tech industries. Toaddress this issue the Department of Engineering Technology has been involved in introducing newteaching techniques2 as well as technologies3,4 and, more specifically, telecommunicationstechnologies5.For two years, we have been implementing a constructivist approach to teaching in ourtelecommunications and computer networking courses. Constructivist education6 where“knowledge must be constructed by the learner” requires the involvement of the active engagementof the learner and for instructors to create an effective learning environment7. In this regard theUniversity of Houston College of Technology telecommunications network shown in Figure 1, athree-node

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2008 GSW

Authors

Benjamin S. Kelley; Adam P. Ecklund; Aaron Dabney

preparing for entering engineering students, there is a strong needand motivation to retain them until graduation.13 Retention efforts including learningcommunities,14, 15 interest groups,16 first year experiences,17 undergraduate research,18 and peerpairing19 are among the many student-retention improvement projects under investigation. Evenwith these very fine programs, student retention in engineering and computer science programsremains a great challenge.Student retention, quality of student learning, and student engagement have long been a priority atBaylor University.20 Recent initiatives in the School of Engineering and Computer Science includenumerous related facets.21 For example, the Engineering and Computer Science Living-LearningCenter

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2008 GSW

Authors

Nader Vadiee

creativity in IT and stem fields. To expand theimpact of the program, and the number of students reached, SIPI will partner with threeregional high schools with predominantly Native American student population. UtilizingSIPI’s experience in program development these Tribal Colleges (TCU’s) will developand implement similar programs from their campus to reach out to underrepresentedstudents in their local communities.The robotic elements of this program will focus heavily on performing remote scienceoperations, akin to the Mars Exploration Rovers, to provide an interesting and technicallyrich IT environment for students to learn. Students will get hands on experience inoperating robots from remote locations to emphasize the importance of computers

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2008 GSW

Authors

Luciana Barroso; Jim Morgan

order to address these issues. This software gives the studentthe ability to build, tune, simulate and evaluate a model all within a single environment. Thesoftware developed provides a “construction set” that students can use to build their ownsimulations of dynamic models and run them to observe their performance. This program isinteractive and can be used in the classroom for demonstrations, in the laboratory for guided use,and on student’s own computers for experimentation and to complete assignments. The computersimulations provide ample opportunity for them to learn in an environment that allows them to failsafely. IntroductionDynamics provides a tool for civil engineers to evaluate a changing

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2008 GSW

Authors

Cheryl L. Willis

, 2008-09 Edition, Computer Systems Analysts, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm (visited February 12, 2008).12. Labor Market and Career Information division, Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Availability Estimator, http://www.texasindustryprofiles.com/apps/lae/index.asp(visited February 12, 2008).CHERYL L. WILLISDr. Willis is an Associate Professor of Information Systems Technology at the University of Houston. Her teachingfocus is primarily on applications development and database management. Her research interests include curriculumrevision processes; service learning in information technology programs, and the use of emerging technologies inundergraduate teaching. Proceedings of the 2008

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2008 GSW

Authors

Gonzalo B. Farfan; Roshan R. Rammohan; Mahmoud R. Taha; Ihab El-Kady

received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the “Military School of Engineering” (LaPaz-Bolivia) in 2005 and is continuing his studies as a M.S. student in the Electrical and Computer Engineeringdepartment at the University of New Mexico. His research includes optimization on nanostructure design.ROSHAN R. RAMMOHANRoshan R. Rammohan received his B.E. degree in Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering from BangaloreUniversity, India in 1999. After working in a Computational Neuroscience Lab in Bangalore, he moved to theUniversity of New Mexico in 2002 where he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Computer Science. His research includesArtificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Optimization Theory and Algorithms.MAHMOUD R. TAHAMahmoud Reda Taha

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2008 GSW

Authors

Santiago Cruz-Bañuelos

theproblem. The second level of the encounter with FEM is the analysis of structures based intruss element, this kind of structure are closed to the students because in they previous coursesthey learn to solve problems which involves the calculation of the responses of the anymember in the structure, the nodal method and the section method can allows to do that. Figure 1, typical 2D structure from [1]FEM allows calculating these responses and also can calculate the deformation and the stress;at this point the students can build a computational code to simulate the behavior of this kindof structures under the respective boundary conditions, see figure 1.The computational code gets the problem and solves it given the

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2008 GSW

Authors

Ian A. Gravagne; Kenneth W. Van Treuren

Session 2-1 Developing an Energy Literacy Curriculum at Baylor University Ian A. Gravagne Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Baylor University Kenneth W. Van Treuren Department of Mechanical Engineering Baylor University AbstractAs part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation effort at BaylorUniversity this past year, the authors proposed a unique course

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2008 GSW

Authors

Jerry K. Keska

laboratory for a course in Instrumentation and Measurements.The course, designed for the undergraduate junior level, was a two-semester course for a total offour credits, and it took place in conjunction with a one-hour classroom lecture in mechanicalengineering. A modified version of this approach, however, can easily be used at all levels of themechanical engineering curriculum. This laboratory’s development process began by writing asuccessful proposal for outside funding in order to create a hands-on teaching laboratory. A two-semester long, open-ended project was utilized, a process which required the students to come upwith creative approaches to problem solving. Consequently, a full-cycle learning experience tookplace. The students began with

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2008 GSW

Authors

Mohamad H. Ahmadian

Session 18-2 Promoting Critical Thinking Skills Through a Capstone Course Mohamad H. Ahmadian Electronics Engineering Technology Eastern New Mexico University AbstractStudents must be taught to think critically, communicate, and work together effectively. Ifstudents are to become disciplined thinkers, they need to do a good deal of active thinking to takeownership of the content they are learning. Learning to think well requires many opportunitiesfor practice in thinking through problems and issues

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2008 GSW

Authors

George D. Gray

particular model has beenreplicated at other institutions over the past decade, with the help of the National ScienceFoundation and other supplemental outside agency funding9. New mechanicalengineering students at Harvard University are introduced to the field of engineeringthrough an applied product design development project10. In order for the students tofinish the projects they are introduced to a variety of applications oriented designconcepts and the use of both manual and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC)machine tools. At Purdue, ME students learn about both product design andmanufacturing processes by pursuing a series of projects involving conventionalfabrication processes including drilling, milling, turning, grinding

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2008 GSW

Authors

Nana-Kwaku Danquah; Patrick Mensah; Samuel Ibekwe; Guoqiang Li

and the resultsof the measurement. IntroductionThe Harrop Dilatometer System is a complete, compact, easy to use, bench top system comprised ofa furnace (for a variety of temperature ranges, including sub-ambient); a sample holder system(fused silica); a control / sample thermocouple; a sample displacement measuring system (probe rodand LVDT sensor); a user-adjustable counterweighted pulley system to provide a constant anduniform contact load on the test sample; a universal furnace controller (user programmable, 4segment, PID control); an onboard data acquisition computer (stores temperature and displacementdata for downloading to an independent computer); software for an independent personal

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2008 GSW

Authors

Mohan A. Ketkar; Nripendra N. Sarker

this paper. Suggestions on how the performance criteria can be used in aprogram are described in detail to allow selective adoption of the performance criteria fordifferent courses.The methodology for defining and using the performance criteria described in this paper enablesfaculty to (1) fully understand the outcomes, (2) understand a range of performance criteria thatneed to be measured for each outcome, and (3) remove any ambiguity in the interpretation of theoutcomes. In addition, it makes it possible to identify the critical skill-sets to measure for eachoutcome and makes assessment meaningful for engineering technology programs.IntroductionIn the advent of EC 2000, Engineering, Engineering Technology and Computer Scienceprograms have

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2008 GSW

Authors

E. H. Shaban

can prove theoretical mathematical concepts in applied mathematical, physics, andelectrical engineering that were predicted decades ago. A typical example is the use of digitalsystem and the computer that is used everywhere at the present time. The field of electricalengineering has expanded and specialized into many stand alone branches and disciplines. Forexample computer engineering and computer science have emerged from electrical engineeringprograms. The idea to have a bachelor degree in general electrical engineering is no longeracceptable and specialized bachelor degrees are becoming more common. Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Gulf-Southwest Annual Conference The University of New Mexico

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2008 GSW

Authors

Kevin Bates; Samuel Ibekwe; Guoqiang Li; Kuan Lian

utilize it. GCA Mann 3600® pattern generator was used tomake the mask on a square Cr/Au plate.Figure 3. Mask design prior to optical printing of test samples.The translucent samples were coated with gold layers on both sides. Thereafter a second layer ofgraphite about 5 microns thick was superimposed on the gold surface. This enhanced the absorptionof flash energy, as well as the emission of infrared radiation waves. Summary and ConclusionsWhile the sample preparation and tests are on-going, the results will be presented later. It has been agreat educational experience for me. This project afforded me the opportunity to work withgraduate students and professors in a research setting. My knowledge of computer

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2008 GSW

Authors

Victor Gallardo; Mequanint Moges; Enrique Barbieri; Aymara Boggiano; Carlos Ramirez

instructional tool1,2.Besides reducing travel requirements to campus on regular basis to attend training, the hybridinstruction improves self-directed learning, critical thinking and time management. In this paper our Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Gulf-Southwest Annual Conference The University of New Mexico – Albuquerque Copyright © 2008, American Society for Engineering Educationfocus will be in the design and implementation of hybrid instructional modules specifically designedfor teaching assistants and part-time faculty. This is because at the University of Houston, eitherPart-Time Faculty (PTF) or Teaching Assistants (TA) and Graduate Instructional Assistants (GIA)teach the

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2008 GSW

Authors

Jiecai Luo; Pradeep K. Bhattacharya

course, and some of them overlap with other classes, such as Laplace Transform,Fourier series and transforms, etc. The main concern in this paper is how to set the materials forwhole EE curriculum in engineering mathematics area, which covers most of useful engineeringmathematics tools, and at the same time, reduces the overlaps with other EE classes. In other words,in our proposed Engineering Mathematics Course (ENGR 340), we will emphasize somemathematical methods only offered in the E-math course, and cut or reduce the materials which willbe taught at other courses to increase students learning efficiency. In this paper, proposed E-mathcourse teaching materials will be given, and some discussion will be provided

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2008 GSW

Authors

Ian A. Gravagne; Kenneth Van Treuren

Session XXXX 17-4 On the Use of TRNSYS in a Solar Energy Technical Elective Ian A. Gravagne Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering Baylor University, Waco, TX Kenneth Van Treuren Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Baylor University, Waco, TX AbstractAs concerns about energy infrastructure, sustainability and

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2008 GSW

Authors

Carol Costello; August Allo

Session 5-2 Simulating the Engineering Workplace: An Innovative Teaching Methodology in a Senior Electrical Engineering Class Carol Costello, August Allo Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Texas at San Antonio AbstractConcerns regarding the ability of the U. S. to produce competitive scientists andengineers have stimulated a major reconsideration of curricula in many universities. Thispaper documents the results of an innovative engineering professionalism programintegrated into the first semester of a two-semester

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2008 GSW

Authors

Juan Hernandez; Michael Alegre; Dragan Siljegovic; Robie Calong; Farrokh Attarzadeh; Ankur Shukla; Vishal Naik

that field for more than 2 years while studying. He plans to do graduate studies inrisk management.ROBIE CALONGRobie Calong is currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology atthe University of Houston. His interest, after graduating in Fall 2008, is to pursue a career in hardware developmentand plans to study in Audio Engineering. He is open-minded to learn many different ways and takes prior measures,for example, one of his major interests is to mainly research and develop different methods in problem solving. Hecurrently resides in Pearland, Texas, where he primarily focuses on his studies, while in his leisure time he playsbasketball, surf the interest for new technologies, etc.FARROKH

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2008 GSW

Authors

Farrokh Attarzadeh; Enrique Barbieri; Miguel A Ramos; Mayuri Mahajan; Vishal Naik; Aditya Gupta

. These resources are very well standardized and distributed over the entiresemester which ensures the complete and continuous learning of the students. Theseresources areSenior Project Course Components [1-4]Books- Two books are assigned in the course. One on engineering design and the othercovers creativity. Reading assignments are given routinely.Lectures- Nine lessons are presented in the class. The lectures are synchronized with thetwo books and are supplemented with additional information. The lectures are presentedin the form of discussions rather than the traditional lectures. The first lesson is anoverview of the entire course. Students have access to the lecture notes through thecourse web portal, discussed later.Homework- Each semester

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2008 GSW

Authors

Horacio Vasquez; Javier Kypuros; Roy Villanueva

control systems courses and the actualpractice and implementation of control systems in real engineering applications, in particular formechanical engineering students at UTPA and in other institutions1,10. In theoretical controlsystems courses, students learn to design many types of controllers using different manual andsophisticated computer techniques that allow obtaining results through simulations. However,not very often students get to implement their controllers, not even the simple ones, in actualsystems. There is a need for prototype systems to improve student learning of control systemsconcepts that might be otherwise difficult to understand1. Though it is more challenging toimplement such controllers in real engineering applications

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2008 GSW

Authors

Gregory P. Starr

. The LEGO RobotCourse is a course offered by the Mechanical Engineering Department which addresses theintegration of digital electronics and mechanical design, along with software development, real-time control, testing and evaluation, and working as part of a team. Teams of students arerequired to design and construct a fully autonomous computer-controlled mobile robot usingLEGO pieces, and compete against other robots at the end of the semester.IntroductionModern mechanical systems are increasingly being controlled by microprocessors and digitalelectronics. Common digital control applications include electronic engine management (fueland electrical systems) in automotive engines, antilock braking systems, numerically-controlledautomation

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2008 GSW

Authors

Edward Crowley

. Connecting their internal networks to other external enterprise networks as well as to public networks.3. Employing portable storage devices, including portable computers and USB storage devices.Left uncontrolled, each of these trends can decrease enterprise security.Fortunately, use of appropriate cryptographic services can mitigate current and futurerisks. Specific enterprise issues positively impacted by cryptographic services includesecure communications and secure data storage. The increased need for enterprisecryptographic security services has also increased the need for security professionals thatcan assess, evaluate, and implement cryptographic security solutions.The increased need for skilled enterprise professionals presents the