In response to growth of microelectronics and changes in microchip design/manufacturing technology, universities are supporting class projects for students. Approximately 50 schools now conduct such programs which have resulted from earlier National Science Foundation sponsorship. Major advantages for the students include designing experience,…

Discusses the problems engineers face in continuing competence and suggests approaches for maintaining competence. The technical specialty certification program and recertification program of the American Society for Quality Control are detailed. (BT)

Discussed are the importance and needs of emerging applications of photonics technology. Stressed is the need for people skilled in its use. A bachelors program in photonics is described. (CW)

Presented are the accreditation standards for engineering schools as developed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Discussed are various challenges presented by the standards and the need to improve engineering education. Items considered are developing a definition of a "good" engineering education, topics…

The concept of displacement center for teaching the virtual work method in statistics is described. An analytical treatment of the displacement center is presented. An example which illustrates the essential elements of this concept is provided. (CW)

Two applications of statistical process control to the process of education are described. Discussed are the use of prompt feedback to teachers and prompt feedback to students. A sample feedback form is provided. (CW)

Discussed are principles of quality control which may be applied to the process of education and to teaching. Suggestions for improving teaching and an example of this application are provided. (CW)

Describes the driving forces behind corporate education in the United States and how they have become manifested in some leading initiatives which are of importance to the engineering community. Discusses education for the world of work, corporation schools, corporate classrooms, hybrid corporate-university classrooms and government-university…

The advantages of using videoconferencing in engineering education are stressed. Discussed are technological change, engineering practice, faculty development, educational effectiveness, and teleconferencing vendors. An example of a campus-based teleconferencing service is cited. (CW)

Stressed is the importance of helping students to become independent of their instructors in gathering information. Information-gathering skills are enumerated and teaching methods are suggested. A brief annotated bibliography and definitions of materials are provided. (CW)

A course designed to teach library research skills to engineering students is described. Discussed are the objectives, method of instruction, student performance, and evaluation for this course. (CW)

This document concerns the operation and evaluation of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) program. Included with a general letter addressing the operation of the program are several appendices which attempt to answer the questions put forth in the letter. These appendices include considerations of: (1)…

Described are the use of case-method teaching, educational competitions, and interactive computer-graphic instructional software to teach structural engineering concepts at the freshman level. Details of the instructional software used and the bridge competition are provided. (CW)