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Session 3448

INDUSTRIAL PERSPECTIVE ON MODIFICATIONS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS 1 Austin B. Asgill, 2Willie K. Ofosu Southern Polytechnic State University1 / Penn State Wilkes-Barre2

Abstract

In an ever evolving technological world, there is a need for university and college programs to keep up with the developments in industry. This is especially true for those educational institutions that offer programs in the engineering technologies, engineering, and computer related fields. Since the graduates from these institutions form the pool of new employees for industry, it is important that industry contributes ideas on the preparation of the graduates. Industry constantly functions at the cutting edge of technology. As such, it can be expected that suggestions from industry will be based on the current technological applications. In order for graduates to be sufficiently well prepared for the work place, they will need to be instructed on the latest developments in industry. It is for these reasons that many programs utilize Industrial Advisory Committees who can provide an industrial perspective to the institutions. These committees form an essential component to the administration of academic programs.

Due to the more complex nature of the telecommunications equipment these days, the current industry requirement calls for a change of emphasis in the preparation of graduates. While they still need to understand the equipment in terms of how they function and how to assemble them, it has become paramount that the graduates are proficient in operating the equipment. The central core of modern telecommunications equipment is a computer, and this calls for a graduate who is not only computer literate, but has the expertise of an information technology specialist. This paper will look at how two institutions have utilized the industrial perspective to modify their program offerings to suit the current requirements of the Telecommunications industry.

I. Introduction

In recent past, the Telecommunications industry saw phenomenal growth due to developments in computing, and the fact that computers were incorporated in telecommunications hardware. Wireless applications, a necessary component in telecommunications, are experiencing resurgence along with the growth of the telecommunications industry. The initial growth needed the type of graduates who could support the construction of the telecommunications infrastructure. These graduates were practical oriented individuals who had the capabilities of putting together the modules and components of equipment, connecting them and making sure that they worked effectively as an assembled unit.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Ofusu, W., & Asgill, A. (2004, June), Industrial Perspective On Modifications To Telecommunications Programs Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13333