Reports on anecdotal evidence gained from interviews with university engineering lecturers which supports the theory that basic mathematical deficiencies in engineering students originate from the National Curriculum. Argues that the system is failing the students, not that the students are failing the system. A survey also illustrates the lack of…

Ergonomics focuses on the prevention of injuries through proper design of equipment, workstations, and products. The adoption of an ergonomic philosophy in the workplace has demonstrable benefits. (JOW)

Describes a university engineering competition in which students use formal engineering, imagination, and intuition to devise a range of exotic devices. Discusses the organization of the competition, benefits to the department and faculty, and some past examples of successful entries. (MKR)

A project is described where the ultimate goal is to teach students methods of problem solving through an industrial engineering environment. Students practice sharing responsibility, understanding group dynamics, using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, using mathematics in oral and written form, and applying the appropriate mathematics.…

To prepare students for several changes in careers during their lifetime, Technology Challenge is a program designed to meet the challenges in the evolution of technology education from traditional industrial arts. In a laboratory setting, students solve real-world problems using computer technology. (JOW)

Discusses how to build a successful cleaning process in order to most effectively maintain school facilities, explaining that the cleaning processes used plays a critical role in productivity. Focuses on: developing a standardized system; making sure that employees have the right tools for the work they perform; training employees; tracking and…

Summarizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in professional ethics, describes in detail the distinctive aspects of two University of Illinois ethics courses (Engineering Ethics and Professional Ethics), and discusses the pedagogical value of the collaborative fieldwork assignment in both courses. (EV)

Evaluated young children's understanding of and ability to use an input device of the type associated with home-entertainment systems, using one of three software interfaces to make simple on-screen choices. Found that it is possible to enable preschoolers to use home-entertainment system control devices by implementing interfaces that limit the…

Examines the role of engineers and their responsibilities in society, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. Suggests the need for a renaissance in engineering education and recommends cultivating a new generation of renaissance engineers based on the recognition of individual talent and customizing education accordingly. (Author/YDS)

States that universities and engineering firms do not generally train engineers in business technical writing, although firms benefit from having engineers who can write clear descriptions of their work. Suggests a program to promote writing skills of engineers and engineering students with limited English skills that involves clear, logical lists…

A master agreement to formalize university-industry cooperation can conflict with patent policies and intellectual property protection. Agreements should allow protection for sources of competitive advantage and focus on university core competencies. (SK)

The University of Akron's Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics program seeks to retain minority engineering students by emphasizing competence and diversity and forming collaborative learning communities focused on excellence, not remediation. Features include learning contracts, peer counseling, freshman transition activities, a study…

Describes the conceptual bases of two different approaches to a language of invention and synthetic thinking as applied to commonplace inventions such as the chair: first, a conceptual history based on the gradual accretion of complexity, and second, a modern account based on the principles of engineering design. (DB)

Reports and interprets the rankings of Rodger Bybee's 12 global-environmental issues/threats by first and second year engineering students (n=175) at the Technical University of Krakow, Poland. Results indicate that personal experience with local environmental issues are the most important determinant for ranking global environmental threats.…

Explains the use of the Web as an advanced calculator using numeric, graphic, and symbolic mathematics interactively with the development of XML-standard MathML. Suggests that the problem of decreasing achievement in mathematics courses can be solved using interactive and personalized documents on the Web and improve the understanding of…