Discusses the needs of freshmen chemical engineering students in terms of courses related to the field. Describes the nature and content of a course designed to involve freshmen in a chemical engineering curriculum. (DDR)

Artificial Intelligence for Technology, a distance learning course at the Open University, is based on a learning model that combines conceptualization, construction, and dialog. This allows a practical emphasis which has been difficult to implement in distance education. The course uses commercial software, real-world-based assignments, and a…

Describes initiatives such as project-based learning, student-generated examinations, and peer assessment that have been implemented at Queensland University of Technology to prepare graduates for professional practice and equip students with attributes for lifelong learning. Also states that assessment procedures should promote and reward the…

In an approach to balancing work and personal life that benefits organizations and individual employees, managers are guided by three principles: (1) clarify what is important; (2) support employees as whole people; and (3) experiment with how work is done to enhance the organization's performance while creating time and energy for employees'…

Details the incorporation of safety procedures and issues into the curriculum of an undergraduate chemical engineering unit operations laboratory course. Includes checklists and sample reporting forms. (DDR)

Outlines the model for postsecondary reform of mathematics, science, engineering, technology, and communications education developed by the South Carolina Advanced Technological Center for Excellence. Presents an integrated, problem-based curriculum; collaborative teaching strategies; and extensive active learning techniques designed to increase…

Includes five articles: (1) discusses Library of Congress efforts to include digital materials; (2) describes the National Science Foundation (NSF) digital library program to improve science, math, engineering, and technology education; (3) explains Dublin Core grammar; (4) measures the impact of electronic journals on library costs; and (5)…

Describes strategies used to teach mathematics to engineering students at Loughborough University (United Kingdom). Explains a combination of traditional instruction with computer assisted learning in an open learning environment that motivates students by providing a more flexible approach to be responsive to individual needs. (LRW)

In an engineering technology course at Coventry University (England), the utility of computer-assisted tests was compared with that of traditional paper-based tests. It was found that the computer-based technique was acceptable to students, produced valid results, and demonstrated potential for saving staff time. (Author/MSE)

This article describes aspects of classroom acoustics that interfere with the ability of listeners to understand speech. It considers impacts on students and teachers and offers four possible solutions: noise control, signal control without amplification, individual amplification systems, and sound field amplification systems. (Author/DB)

Although many foresee the end of books with the rise of computers, there are good reasons to believe that books will survive, including their permanence, their value as historical records, and ergonomics. Librarians should continue to sponsor summer reading programs and book groups, serve as reader advisors, and prepare and post book lists. (PEN)

When a Department of Computer Science (CS) recently formed stronger ties with the College of Engineering and weaker ties with the College of Arts and Science, CS faculty began encouraging CS majors to switch to the former college from the latter. Analyzes the decline of females in the CS program as a result. (Author/PVD)

Examines the role of language in the teaching of technical report writing for first-year Engineering students at Temasek Polytechnic (Singapore). Describes, predicts, and critiques the communicative behaviors of students coming into contact with report writing. Findings indicate that good report writing can be learned through an integrative…

Describes some features in the changing landscape of activities intended to improve both quality and access in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) undergraduate education. Offers a framework for discussion of historical change endeavors as an aid in considering next steps. (Author/MM)

A survey of 120 administrators (59 aged 60+, 61 aged 35-50) found that both groups had similar perceptions of the association between office design and work activities. Older and younger workers ranked certain design features differently, and they had different perceptions of the privacy features of the work environment. (SK)