A Wireless Course Sequence Design Using Global Wireless Education Consortium (Gwec) Curriculum Modules And Industry Tools

The phenomenal growth in wireless communications coupled with fast changing technologies during the last decade has put new demands on engineering technology curricula. Industry seeks graduates with appropriate background and training. The engineering and engineering technology graduates are not only expected to understand the theory behind state-of-the-art wireless technologies, but also to exhibit hands-on analytical and problem solving skills. To address these changing industrial needs, it is imperative that new courses are developed, implemented, and kept current. However, design and implementation of such a course or sequence of courses requires considerable investment of time and financial resources. Keeping these courses current with respect to the fast pace of technological advances in the field is another challenge for faculty. College and university professors can address these challenges by using the Global Wireless Educational Consortium (GWEC) wireless curriculum modules. These modules, designed through a collaborative effort of academia and industry and totaling 46 modules at present, are revised regularly to maintain currency. Furthermore, industry members provide instructional tools to GWEC academic affiliates. This paper describes the revision and enhancement process of wireless technology lecture/laboratory courses by incorporating existing GWEC modules and industry tools at DeVry University, Dupage campus.