Implementing Hands-on Experiments in an Engineering Technology Introductory Course

Abstract

The mechanical engineering technology (MET) students at the University of Toledo start their curriculum with a three-credit hour course entitled "Computers for Engineering Technology". Over the years, this class was subject to many changes with the objective of increasing student retention and overall satisfaction. Since this course is one of the first technical courses the students have to take, the latest approach is to incorporate hands-on laboratory experience with the goal of getting the freshmen accustomed with novel techniques of acquiring data, building the skills to analyze and investigate data using Excel software, writing a laboratory report, using a Word processor, and comparing their results with computer simulation results using Matlab or Simulink. At the end of the course each student will have the opportunity to improve their presentation skills by presenting their findings in front of their peers using PowerPoint. For the first hands-on experiment the students used a Vernier Dynamics Cart and Track System; this particular project was chosen to enhance the students' skills in trigonometry and physics mechanics. In this experiment students collected the data in the form of space and time, and were asked to find the speed and acceleration. If this teaching methodology will prove beneficial for the MET students, as shown by student questionnaires and tracking their results in the courses such as Dynamics, the authors will introduce more experiments, such as a Wind Turbine Experiment and other basic laboratory experiments. Department offers ABET accredited professional technical programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in four areas of study: Computer Science and Engineering Technology (CSET), Construction Engineering Technology (CET), Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET). The Department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology (IT) in partnership with the College of Business and Innovation. The MET program is the largest out of the five ET programs, with about 450 students enrolled.

Transition of Knowledge Gained in the Undergraduate Engineering Experimental Laboratories into Engineering Graduate's Job in the Industry

“…It nourishes their ability to design systems, components and processes that meet criterion (c) above. Additionally, laboratory experiments allow the engineering graduate to gain the ability to practice engineering by developing necessary personal techniques, skills and insight in utilization of the engineering tools (Cioc et al, 2017). This also allows students to develop communications skills, good writing skills, excellent oral communication skills, listening well; be compassionate and empathetic, excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and finally be creative and innovative (College of Engineering, Career Development & Experimental Learning center, UMASS AMHERST (2016AMHERST ( -2017).…”

Laboratory Measurement Activities in a First-Year Engineering Technology Class

“…The gateway class is a first-semester freshman class that employs many of these hands-on activities to allow students to experience what engineers do and to showcase the "learn-by-doing" approach utilized in mechanical engineering technology classes and degree programs. Cioc et al [4] and Miller [5] both implemented hands-on laboratory activities that included data acquisition and data analysis using Excel, which is an objective of the gateway class described herein. Cioc also discussed the value of these activities on retention of students after the first semester and a survey demonstrated that the students preferred hands-on activities for learning rather than just examples from a book.…”