This work presents a unique education resource for both process engineering students and the industry workforce. The learning environment is based around spherical imagery of real operating plants coupled with interactive embedded activities and content. This Virtual Reality (VR) learning tool has been developed by applying aspects of relevant…

Ensuring that every child grows up with a strong education is a deeply rooted American value. Over time, however, the basic preparation that American students need to succeed in the world has changed. Now, with a competitive global economy and the importance of technology in the fields of health, energy, and engineering, the United States must…

Technology education is a field of study which seeks to promote technological literacy for all students. Some recent research in the field has focused on integrating content and methodology from engineering design into technology education classes, particularly at the secondary level. This study contributes to the research base in technology…

This study investigated the effect of cognitive style on continuing education of scientists and engineers and the interaction of cognitive style with motivation for and inhibition of continuing education. The Group Embedded Figures Test for field dependence/independence, Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale for locus of control, and a…

Various methods of learning employed to solve problems in mechanical engineering are presented. Results indicate that video recording and playback to students is the most effective instruction process. A comparison of analytical thinking to rote memory was made, and variables which affect learning, such as personality, are discussed. (NTIS)

A comprehensive test of problem-solving skills and attitudes in electrical engineering was administered pre-course and post-course to undergraduates at the University of Salford who followed laboratory courses involving contrasting teaching approaches. Results indicate that United Kingdom students perform best in courses with emphasis on…

This paper reports on two key elements of successful online teaching: learner-centric design and harmonization of content and facilities. The paper shows how these two crucial requirements could be fulfilled with great success in a project that involves a non-computing related subject matter (civil engineering) and 31 educators from five European…

The problem of low graduation rates for diverse students in engineering has many causes. Low retention rates for all students in the first two years of an engineering program is a significant problem which must be addressed if universities are going to increase the number of graduates in engineering programs. Faculty and administrators agree, not…

Summarizes key differences between academic and industrial settings and offers illustrations of what modern instructional craft has accomplished in industry. Describes a typical developmental sequence related to criterion-referenced instruction, including techniques for instructional analysis, design, development, and implementation. Includes…

Reviews problems and successful techniques associated with various instructional systems including individualized instruction, personalized system of instruction, audiotutorial system, and others. Includes comments on behavioral objectives, mastery, and testing. (SK)

Describes an attempt on the part of an engineering faculty to develop problem-solving skills in its undergraduate students. It includes a course description in problem solving. (SA)

Describes an engineering course for education and other nonscience majors. In this course, students integrate basic principles of applied physical science and engineering to solve authentic design problems. Discusses the nature of the interactive and problem-based instructional format and its effects on developing students' scientific inquiry…

Reports on the advances of one institution in integrating design across the undergraduate engineering curriculum. Design education is treated as a developmental process to be practiced during each year of the program. Presents examples of design work from courses in each year to illustrate the variety of design problems used to incorporate design…

The status and experiences of women in science and engineering are discussed. Specifically highlighted is the situation at Hood College, Maryland, a school with a majority of female students. Strategies for encouraging female students to enter and continue in science majors and careers are suggested. (CW)

Reviews instructional design techniques that are suggested for improving the quality and effectiveness of educational software. Three areas of instructional design are addressed: (1) instructional strategies, including provision, examples and active feedback; (2) screen display, including text style variety; and (3) human factors, including…