Computer based education (CBE) and some possibilities for use of such systems are described. Considers instructional materials (computer programs/PLATO), benefits of CBE, recent CBE developments (focusing on PLATO), a case study of PLATO courseware development in Lower Division Engineering Curriculum, CBE authoring capabilities, CBE effectiveness,…

New seismic techniques have been developed recently that borrow theory from academic institutions and technology from industry, allowing scientists to explore deeper into the earth with much greater precision than possible with older seismic methods. Several of these methods are discussed, including the seismic reflection common-depth-point…

Argues that mass and energy fluxes in a fluid are vectors. Topics include the stress tensor, theorem for tensor fields, mass flux as a vector, stress as a second order tensor, and energy flux as a tensor. (SK)

Looks at the impact of budgetary problems on the University of Michigan, indicating potential cuts in natural resources (33 percent), art (25 percent), and education (40 percent). Science/engineering departments, however, will benefit from reallocation of funds, since improvements in research equipment has been given a high priority. (JN)

Milwaukee Area Technical College has joined with business and industry to develop training programs for computer-based information processing, and engineering and manufacturing technologies. These partnerships are important as companies look for ways to improve productivity and quality, keep abreast of changing technology, and ensure economic…

Engineering geology activities in government and the private sector are highlighted. Also highlighted are conferences in this field, awards presented at conferences (including an award to an undergraduate geology student), and a new publication "Geotechnology in Massachusetts." (JN)

Highlights a comprehensive analysis of post-secondary aviation programs in the United States published in a directory available from the University Aviation Association. The "Collegiate Aviation Directory" lists findings by state and includes level of institution, accreditation, public or private, and types of programs. (JN)

Presents various ways in which a residence hall environment may be specifically engineered to encourage individual participation in the process of education. Invitational engineering is defined as one way to transpose psychological principles to residence halls so they contribute to the developmental life of students. (RC)

Presents programmable calculator solutions to selected problems, including area moments of inertia and principal values, the 2-D principal stress problem, C.G. and pitch inertia computations, 3-D eigenvalue problems, 3 DOF vibrations, and a complex flutter determinant. (SK)

The use of the analog computer to plot the gain frequency of a system under test is presented. Both linear and logarithmic plots are considered. The method is applicable with almost no frequency restrictions when the system under test is simulated on the computer. (SK)

Five authorities on air pollution control summarize the salient recent developments in sampling and measurement of air pollutant particles. (RE)

Offers and discusses five guidelines to use when solving design problems: (1) evolve from simple to complex; (2) use depth-first approach; (3) develop approximate criteria; (4) use "top down/bottom up" designs alternately; and (5) make optimistic assumptions. Four examples illustrate the guidelines. (JN)

Crushed glass and a Rhodamine B solution are used in a one-dimensional optically scanned column experiment to study the dispersion phenomenon in porous media. Results indicate that the described model gave satisfactory results and that the dispersion process in this experiment is basically convective. (DC)

Surveyed engineers to determine their communication needs. Results showed that interpersonal communication, listening behavior, leadership, and group discussion were considered the most important communication skills, while public speaking, interviewing, and parliamentary procedures were considered the least important. (PD)

Donating equipment to universities for research and teaching, having industry engineers teach part-time, and having engineering societies assist universities in evaluating which methods are best for increasing the quantity and quality of engineering graduates are discussed as ways of resolving the current crisis in engineering education. (SK)