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Session 3120

Enhancement to Student Learning by Employing Advanced Computing in a Project Oriented Environment

Jeff Nadel, Dan Walsh College of Engineering California Polytechnic State University

Abstract A partnership between an individual donor, industry and academia has been formed to develop a crucible where the hypothesis that advanced computing can enhance student learning in a project oriented environment will be tested. We have developed a facility that provides a location, previously lacking, for teams of students to participate in capstone experiences. The purpose of the facility is to provide a site and vehicle that enables partnerships between industry, faculty, and students. This partnership is designed to produce a synergistic experience for students from all majors in the context of interdisciplinary, open ended projects. The hypothesis is that the co- location of student groups, and the existence of a shared advanced computing infrastructure, will lead to improved learning outcomes for student participants. This paper describes the generation of a crucible where students can undertake defining educational capstone experiences that fully reflect new ABET criteria. This paper treats the effort used to define the computing resources and systems required to support this goal, as well as the implementation of assessment criteria to measure the achievement of objectives in support of this goal. In addition, it contrasts student experiences before and after the implementation of advanced computing resources. It highlights the value of these resources in support of ABET student learning objectives, and in the embellishment of student experiences. The new facility is a place where industry and academia have come together, where education and the “real world” have come together, and where computing and engineering have come together to create an environment where students grow into enabled engineers for the 21st Century.

I. Introduction Hands-on, learn by doing education is an expensive proposition. Fortunately, the returns on investments in this form of educational practice have justified the expense. True education resides in experiential learning, however, not all experiences are equally valuable. We must optimize our students experience. Laboratory intensive education and a capstone senior project requirement have provided Poly graduates with a margin for excellence. This exposure is valuable because engineers are inherently innovators, the nature of engineering is problem identification and solution. Engineers have designed and built the structure and the infrastructure of society in each and every era, and in each and every sector. From chips to ships, from “It” to “Freedom” engineers use the materials of their age to shape their world. Thus, if the laboratories and the

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

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Nadel, J., & Walsh, D. (2002, June), Enhancement To Student Learning By Employing Advanced Computing In A Project Oriented Environment Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10524