Building Community Through Collaboration
- 2. People of all ages and abilities can participate in engineering design at different levels. Imagine . . .
- 3. Our CU Engineering Mission To provide a multidisciplinary learning environment that integrates engineering theory with practice and promotes creative, team-oriented problem-solving skills.
- 4. So Why Do We Do It? ―I hear… I forget I see… I remember I do… I understand‖ —Confucius - c. 500 BC ―Tell me – and I forget Teach me – and I may learn Involve me – and I remember‖ —Benjamin Franklin
- 5. A High-Tech Learning Environment ―First we shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.‖ — Winston Churchill
- 6. The ITL Laboratory • A three-story 34,500 sq. ft. building • Visible, flexible architecture and systems • More than 85% student-usable space • Open laboratory spaces linked by a high-speed computer network • Supports design/build/test activities • High usage: 4,200+ students in 65 courses/yr
- 7. Manufacturing Center ―Create what you dream‖ A range of fabrication tools: • 2 CNC mills • CNC lathe • 3-D rapid prototyper • 2 CNC laser cutters • Conventional machine tools • Pneumatic hand tool bench
- 8. Electronics Center • Fabrication • Simulation • Prototyping • Calibration • Testing “Create what you dream”
- 9. Dedicated Design/Build Space Two design studios: • 1,000 sq. ft. “smart" classroom • Workbenches and hand tools • Group work tables • Project storage lockers • Six PCs
- 10. First-Year Engineering Projects • College-wide initiative; mix of majors • 17 sections annually; small class size (32) • Hands-on interdisciplinary design teams • Outstanding, student-focused teachers • Cooperative, success-oriented culture • Intro to the excitement of engineering • Taught in limited-access design studios Engineering is about creating things that benefit society
- 11. • Introduction to engineering as a career • Function in a multi-disciplinary team • Experience the design/build process • Engineering methods • Communication skills (oral and written) FYEP Course Goals
- 12. FYEP Student Benefits • Motivation for learning – Student “ownership” in projects • Introduction to ITL resources • Enhanced problem-solving ability – Open-ended problems require “learning how to learn”
- 13. • Improved retention • Enhanced confidence in engineering skills • Higher technical performance – Higher GPA in subsequent courses – Graduates highly valued for their high technical performance More Student Benefits
- 15. Code Place puzzle piece in As a row is completed, lights turn on and a tune will play When entire puzzle is completed, grand finale of lights and song will play
- 17. Wireless Infrared Mouse Uses an infrared LED mounted in a case worn on wrist, a WiiMote (infrared receiver), and a computer WiiMote Whiteboard translates wristband movement into cursor movement
- 18. Wireless InfraRed Mouse (WIRM) • Made specifically for Gerald • Delivered and used successfully • Used existing hardware/software making product design more user- oriented
- 19. • Staff – Provides opportunities for staff to participate in creating solutions for the clients they work closely with. – Provides staff a new activity to engage in with the client. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 20. • Clients – Solutions are created for an individuals may be applicable to others with similar requirements. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 21. • Clients – Providing access to experiences that individuals may not have access to otherwise. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 22. • Clients – Providing clients with the opportunity to assist in designing solutions for themselves. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 23. • Clients – Providing new ways for people with limited access methods to participate in engaging activities. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 24. – Cause and Effect Projects • Off the shelf products are cost prohibitive • Clients find specific activities/objects reinforcing • Prefab products rarely offer the combination of specific reinforcements that would lead to client interest. • Utilizing simple interfaces that allow clients to participate – Sliders, switched, touch pads, etc. How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
- 25. Challenges • Resources – Hands-on projects take time and money – Self-funded student projects encourage learning fiscal management – Storage (everyone needs a garage!) • Ensuring equal participation/learning • Faculty role: – Facilitator - Coach vs. holder of all knowledge