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campus. Mr. Kinsler received his M.S. Degree in Computer Science from Wichita State University (KS) in 1987 with an emphasis in Software Engineering. He received a B.S. in both Physics and Mathematics from Emporia State University (KS) in 1972. Mr. Kinsler teaches classes in programming, software engineering, and fluid mechanics. His research interests include embedded systems and controls as well as teaching methodologies.

The Kansas State University-Salina Engineering Technology Department offers a C programming course for non-Computer Science Technology majors. The course is designed to teach the C language syntax, structured programming design and implementation, and to link the language to applications within the students' areas of specialization. In the Fall 2000 semester, a local manufacturer requested help in upgrading an existing microprocessor-based control application. The industry partner agreed to allow the C programming class to write the application as a class project. This project required the students to incorporate interrupts, timing, signal monitoring, real-time calculations, and extensive interfacing to input and output devices. This paper focuses on the unique interaction between students and industry and the benefits that this real-world process brought into the course and into the academic program.