Lessons Learned From A Multi Faceted Freshman Design Project: Software Development, Electronics, Mechanical Construction, Software Hardware Interface And Economics

In recent publications, we have described the lessons learned from attempts to combine software instruction with the design experience in a freshman Introduction to Engineering course. Initial efforts exposed students to the LabVIEW programming environment as a separate activity from the design experience. The design project was then changed to one in which LabVIEW was used as the software interface for a Hot Wheels Drag Racing Timing and Control System. In this version, freshmen were introduced to LabVIEW as a programming environment and were required to apply this body of knowledge to their design project. At the third iteration, we changed to a more focused instruction in LabVIEW with exercises pertinent to softwarehardware interface. We also introduced budgeting by supplying pre-packaged LabVIEW VI’s and sub-VIs which could be “purchased” using a limited, predetermined budget of “EGR dollars” with similar options available for the release mechanism and the timing electronics. The availability of the purchase option introduced realistic budget constraints to the design process, with associated penalties or rewards for performance relative to that budget. We observed that the option of purchasing various components for this project had two major positive effects. The first was an increase in the number of successful projects. The second was thoughtful planning and use of their budgets with provisions of contingency funds for last minute corrections. Assessment using a departmental rubric showed an improvement in attainment of course outcomes related to solution of engineering problems (ABET criterion 3, outcome e).