Integrating Engineering for Developing Communities into Engineering Education A Case Study

The present investigation is a case study of a first year design course with a survey and follow-up interviews to assess the experiences of students while in the classroom and during a follow-up trip to Peru to install the design. This mixed-methods study investigated the use of environmental engineering design for developing communities as the project topic in a first-year design course and specifically focused on the developmental effects on students who traveled to Peru to implement their design in a rural community. Data collected during an end-of-course survey and qualitative data garnered from interviews with three students who traveled to implement the design indicated that most students in the course gained an understanding of the concept of engineering for developing communities and found the topic more interesting than those offered in other course sections. Students who traveled gained deeper insight into both the topic and the challenges involved with working in developing communities. Students from both groups (travelers and non-travelers) noted an interest in pursuing future opportunities to work in developing communities, most likely through volunteer opportunities. Overall, results indicated that the course topic provided an effective context for learning about the design process, introducing unique aspects of engineering for developing communities, and motivating students to explore this topic further.