Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 2249 2005 ASEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Engineering Technology Division Real World Applications

C.S.I.-Engineering Technology: Directing Engineering Technology Curriculum to Solve Real-World Engineering Problems

Francis A. Di Bella, P.Eng.

ABSTRACT The recent spate of the popular, original TV series CSI (Crime Scene Investigations) television series has spawn similar series entitled CSI- Miami and CSI-New York. The reasons can vary but most critics cite the exposure to the audience of the expert use of very sophisticated investigative tools: from advanced computers, to finger print comparatives to mass spectrometers and the ability to derive logical solutions to crime- related problems. The reality is that these T.V. programs exhibit the talents of intelligent, technically adept staff using state-of-the-art technical tools. No advanced theories or indebt research need be considered here; the solution to the problem-at-hand lies in the experienced use of tools-of-the-trade and the inherent intelligence of the user. But isn’t this a description of the charter for Engineering Technology programs and the students who we teach?

This paper describes the use of the CSI1-type plots to appeal to and attract the engineering technology students to the excitement that awaits them if they have the ability to solve a real-life engineering problem, taken directly from the recent news accounts, and using engineering technology to help solve the problem. The student is thus witnessing the power of the engineering technology to solve ‘real-world’ problems even as they are being entertained.

Introduction Consider the following common questions from less than enthusiastic students: “When will I use this information?” or “Will this be on the test?”

We have all heard these questions before. Usually it is more evident in the freshmen classes where the high school years have not been shaken off by the engineering student. Both of these questions are routinely asked of students who may not be exactly thrilled over the long and difficult learning that must precede their ability to use the engineering technology that is being taught.

1 CSI in this conference paper is an anagram for Case Study Instruction as it may be used in the instruction of Engineering Technology students in a variety of engineering technology subjects

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

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Di Bella, F. (2005, June), Csi Engineering Technology: Directing Engineering Tech. Curriculum To Solve Real World Engineering Problems Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14253