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Appropriate Technology and Technical Service in Developing Countries (ETHOS) Elective Course

Carl W. Eger III and Margaret F. Pinnell, Ph.D. University of Dayton Dayton, Ohio

Abstract: EGR 330, Engineering Design and Appropriate Technology was approved by the University of Dayton (UD) School of Engineering in the fall of 2003 as a one to three semester hour, multi- disciplinary engineering elective. This course, for the first time, gave engineering students academic credit for participating in international technical service work through the university’s ETHOS (Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service-learning) program. This course spanned the winter and summer semesters and included language preparation, cultural immersion and appropriate technology readings and a six to sixteen week summer service- learning experience doing technical or engineering related work in a developing country. The overall goals of this course were to provide undergraduate engineering students with an opportunity to prepare for, choose and then participate in an international technical service placement to enable them to experience another culture, apply the knowledge gained in other courses to solve unique engineering problems, gain a greater understanding of appropriate technology and contemporary issues related to global development, engineering ethics, program management and written and oral communication, become more proficient at a second language and develop professional competencies (e.g. travel safety, use of public transportation, required international documentation, etc.). This paper will describe the design and facilitation of the EGR 330 course as related to ABET outcomes, curricular objectives and practical considerations. It will also provide assessments of the various course components including classroom instruction, service-learning internship, course resources, immersion experience and course requirements. The opportunities and challenges associated with facilitating this class will also be discussed. Recommendations for improving this course will also be made.

Background: The Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service-learning (ETHOS) program was developed in the spring of 2001 by an interdisciplinary group (electrical, chemical civil and mechanical) of undergraduate engineering students at the University of Dayton. ETHOS was founded on the belief that engineers are more apt and capable to appropriately serve our world if they have an understanding of technology’s global linkage with values, culture, society, politics, and the economy. ETHOS seeks to enhance this understanding in engineering students through a variety of activities that support the advancement of appropriate technologies for the developing world. Service-learning and appropriate technology serve as the core of the ETHOS program. In service-learning, students become involved in a project that meets specific educational objectives while providing a needed service to the community. Service-learning can range from a single

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Pinnell, M., & Eger, C. (2005, June), Appropriate Technology And Technical Service In Developing Countries (Ethos) Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15463