Addresses research results and controversies concerning the ergonomic design of computer work stations ranging from the traditional concerns with anthropometric fashions, work posture, and visual performance to the recent considerations about human information processing capacities and awareness of problem-solving strategies. (eight references)…

Outlines the teacher training program developed by the the U.S. Air Force Academy. Focuses on effective teaching methods that maintain the sharp quality of instruction needed to offset any confounding effects resulting from the frequent turnover in the engineering faculty, which is comprised almost entirely of active-duty Air Force officers on…

Presents the geometric, software-ergonomic, and educative standards for interactive graphics systems envisioned for planimetric constructions and calculations in secondary mathematics instruction. Describes the geometric-didactic potentials of the MS DOS-Version 1.6 of CABRI-Gomtre which is an Intelligent Tutoring System with the possibilities for…

A study examined the relationship between second-language skills and academic achievement of 90 Indonesian engineering graduate students in the Netherlands. Results suggest a specific range of proficiency, with upper and lower limits, within which achievement is optimized. Limits of the range may be discipline or even institution-specific.…

Examines conflicting studies which report on the effects of Visual Display Units (VDU) on health. Five aspects of alleged VDU effects are discussed: (1) radiation or emission effects; (2) visual effects; (3) postural effects; (4) effects on the arms and fingers; and (5) ultrasonic noise from scanning components. (36 references) (MAB)

Results of a systematic investigation into university students' (n=236) misunderstandings of d.c. simple circuit operations are reported. These results provide evidence of various misconceptions present before and after teaching the following topics: a battery as a source of constant current; the functional relation expressed by Ohm's law; power…

An attempt to portray the nature of the learning task in university engineering courses is presented. Introductory courses are described first and are then compared to the upper level courses. Emphasis is put on three introductory courses to determine what skills students bring into the introductory course, what the learning task is, and how…

It is proposed that algorithms and heuristics are useful in improving professional problem-solving abilities when contextualized within the academic discipline. A basic algorithm applied to problem solving in undergraduate engineering education and a similar algorithm applicable to legal problems are used as examples. Problem complexity and…

Various examples of open-ended problems and ways to obtain them are presented. Suggestions for incorporating open-ended problems and some of the benefits and difficulties encountered by teachers and students are discussed. Examples are from courses on mass and energy balances, communications, kinetics and ideal reactors, and reactor design. (KR)

Provides recommendations prepared by the Library of Congress for prevention of repetitive strain injuries in VDT (video display terminal) operators. Chair design, keyboard height and distance, screen placement and viewing specifications, and ergonomic pauses are discussed. (five references) (EA)

The Indian Natural Resource, Science, and Engineering Program at California State University, Humboldt, offers a wide variety of courses related to working in natural-resource fields in indigenous communities and provides academic and personal support services to American Indian students in such fields. A program participant is profiled. (SV)

The idea that the national effort to reshape and revitalize the educational infrastructure depends on the commitment and collaboration of industry, schools, universities, government at all levels, and the public is discussed. Key issues include faculty, the curricula, and instructional technology. (KR)

Discussed is an alternative to the traditional lecture-homework-quiz method of instruction. Innovative techniques applied in a statics class are described. A comparison between the innovative course and the same course taught traditionally is provided. (KR)

National Science Foundation support for instructional innovation in design curriculum is discussed. Programs that illustrate diverse approaches to teaching design are described. A list of programs given engineering curriculum development awards in 1988 and 1989 is provided. (CW)

Describes the process of starting a new program in computer science and engineering that is heavily based on applied mathematics and only open to women. Emphasizes that success requires considerable interest in mathematics and curiosity about computer science among female students at the secondary level and the acceptance of the single-sex program…