WORKSHOP

A workshop on Integrating Projects and Design into Core Engineering Courses: Enhancing Learning and Preparing Professionals was organized by JRE School of Engineering, Greater Noida on 16th July 2015 to discuss various tools for managing and teaching teamwork, communication and design. Prof. Vishal Bharti, Head of the Department, Computer Science & Engineering and Prof. Yashvardhan Soni, Head of the Department, Information Technology from Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon attended the workshop.

The workshop was an IUCEE Course offered by Prof. Bill Oakes, Director, Purdue University ,USA. He has been active in the dissemination of innovations in engineering education including service learning and community engagement having conducted various workshops.

Dr. Krishna Rao, Director and Dean JRE School of Engineering inaugurated the session with a welcome speech.

Prof. Krishna Vedula, Executive Director, IUCEE gave the brief introduction about the key practices followed in engineering courses. The concept of his discussion was “How to do Engineering”. He said Engineering students should be both creative and practical. The relevant theory and principles of Engineering should be practiced in a project. There must be a logical conclusion of the theories implemented on the projects.

Prof. Bill Oakes discussed several Project and Design activities along with various parameters, termed as Graduates Attributes, which are helpful in addressing several outcomes required according to the NBA Accreditation Parameters. He also discussed that how one can apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals and engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems.

He explained about importance of engineering education and the various methods that could be adopted by the various institutions to make it more effective and structured in better way. He also discussed about various parameters which are based on initial capabilities, competence, skills etc. along with their desired outcomes by profession.

The workshop comprised of various sections which included:

1. Problem Analysis

2. Investigations of complex problems

3. Usage of modern tools

4. Engineering Society

5. Environment and Sustainability

6. Ethics, Individual & Team Work

7. Communication

8. Project Management & Finance

9. Life Long Learning.

Various learning objectives such as generating ideas to implement into courses, resource identification to implement projects, assessment strategies, and project based learning for the benefits of students was discussed. Prof. Oakes also discussed impact of the professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate the knowledge of need for sustainable development.

This workshop introduced participants to methods for integrating project into traditional courses to enhance the classroom experiences. The workshop was designed to be multidisciplinary and showcased various examples and approaches from engineering and computing.

Some Glimpses: