Application Of Technology In Engineering Education

This paper focuses on introducing the faculty to a collection of powerful software tools and technologies that can be used effectively in a teaching and learning environment. This presentation additionally illustrates some of the techniques that can be employed in conjunction with using these tools and technologies to further enhance the teaching effectiveness of the faculty and promote student learning. Sample tools utilized in this study include WebCT, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft EXCEL, Macromedia FLASH, MATLAB, LabVIEW, as well as, a series of other utility tools such as image capturing and screen recording software. The discussed tools and techniques enable the faculty to achieve goals that are unattainable through utilizing traditional teaching approaches. Included in this presentation will be several examples of course related material produced for teaching engineering topics and concepts. These examples clearly establish the great power, valuable utilities, and important advantages of these tools in teaching. Among presented examples are a few sample course modules selected from recent publications and presentations of the author in several national educational conferences, as well as, in an international colloquium. This paper does a comparison study between the tools and procedures utilized in these papers and discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages that these tools offer. I. Introduction The submitted paper discusses the application of some of the tools and techniques which can be utilized in an educational setting to enhance the delivery of instruction and to elevate student course comprehension. The paper first focuses on some of the more important advantages of WebCT and illustrates the utility and capabilities of several valuable tools within this software. The paper then proceeds to introduce the utility of other more specialized software tools which can be used in conjunction with WebCT to further aid in improving the educational experience of students. Sample course modules and programs developed in earlier work of the author are used in the paper to clarify and support the points made. This paper further illustrates the manner in which the discussed tools can be utilized to create a richer teaching and learning environment for the students and faculty. Suitability and effectiveness of utilizing any tool, technology, or strategy in delivery of a course is mostly dependent upon the nature of the course, and the topics discussed in that course. The paper provides an opportunity for the faculty to view some of the valuable capabilities and applications of a range of powerful tools and possibly find a tool which is ideally suited for their classroom use.