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Computing : Role of Computing in the First-year Course
Since the start of Introduction to Engineering Systems,
substantial revision has occurred with respect to the content and delivery
of computing in the sequence. During the first offering of the course,
spread sheets were introduced in the first semester as tools for engineering
analysis. Not-Quite-C (NQC) was introduced in the latter half of the first
semester as a programming language for microprocessors. MATLAB was introduced
in the second semester in support of projects on design and feedback-control.
However, none of the modules focused specifically computing skills.
Currently, computer programming is used during all of the modules by some
degree. During the first module, the students use MATLAB as a tool
for plotting and simple statistical calculations. During the second
module, the students use MATLAB to individually program a video game. During
the third module, the student groups use Not-Quite-C (NQC) in the integration
of a Millipede data storage system. During the fourth module, student
groups use any computing tools they wish to develop a computer model for
system analysis.
A summary of these changes, as well as other changes associated with responding to student feedback, can be found in papers assessing this course, including:
Bernstein, G.H., Brockman, J., Buckle, M., Carter,
A., Fay, P., Fuja, T., Gedde, N., Govea., S, Lewis, A., McWilliams,
L.H., Meyers, K.L., Porod, W., Silliman, S.E., Suhendra, C., “Information
and Nanotechnologies in an Introductory Engineering Course”, 2006
ASEE Illnois-Indiana and North Central Conference, March 2006. <pdf>
Pieronek, C.,McWilliams, L.H., Silliman, S.E., and Uhran,
J.J, “The Value of a Comprehensive, Integrated Assessment
Program for Improving the First Year Engineering Experience”,
2005 FIE Confrence, Indianapolis, IN, October 2005. http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2005/
McWilliams, L.H., Silliman, S.E., and Pieronek, C., “Modifications to a Freshman Engineering Course Based on Student Feedback,” 2004 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 2004. http://www.asee.org/acPapers/2004-1729_Final.pdf
Silliman, S.E. and McWilliams, L.H., “Observations on Benefits/Limitations of an Audience Response System,” 2004 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 2004. http://www.asee.org/acPapers/2004-1511_Final.pdf
Pieronek, C., McWilliams, L.H., Silliman, S.E., Gunty, M., and Graf, C., “Beyond the Numbers: A Deeper Look into the Retention of Female Engineering Students,” Proceedings of the 2005 WEPAN/NAMEPA Joint Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, April 2005. http://www.wepan.org
McWilliams, L.H., Silliman, S.E., Pieronek, C., Gunty, M., and Graf, C., “Identifying Student Differences in a First-Year Engineering Course: A Comparison of Mid-Year Survey Responses,” 2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Portland, Oregon, June 2005. http://www.asee.org/acPapers/2005-2008_Final.pdf
