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Hand Biometrics TechnologyIn this activity, learners explore how engineers incorporate biometric technologies into products as well as the challenges of engineers who must weigh privacy, security and other issues when designing a system. Learners examine different biometric techniques, find their own hand geometry biometrics, and then work in teams of "engineers" to design a high-tech security system for a museum.
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Should Field Works Be Compulsory in Hydraulic Engineering Courses ?Engineering graduates should be familiar with real-world problems, practical applications and relevant solutions. Hydraulic engineers are no exception, but the teaching of open channel hydraulics is a major challenge. In open channel flows, the free surface rises and falls in response to perturbations to the flow (e.g., changes in channel slope or width). Field studies complement traditional lectures and laboratory work. Student fieldwork was introduced systematically in a series of hydraulic engineering subjects within undergraduate civil and environmental engineering curricula. Anonymous student feedback demonstrated a strong student interest for the fieldwork. This was associated with greater motivation for the course, leading in turn to lower failure rates. Feedback from former students indicated that fieldwork experience was an important component of their studies and helped their professional development. Employers testified that fieldwork are an essential component of a hydraulic engineering course and that it should be a requirement in all civil/environmental engineering curricula. This pedagogical experience demonstrated the very-significant role of fieldwork in the teaching of hydraulic engineering. Lecturers and professionals should not be complacent with university hierarchy and administration clerks intent on cutting costs by eliminating field studies. Although the preparation of fieldwork with large class sizes is a major effort, the outcome is very rewarding for the students and the lecturer. Yes, fieldwork should be definitely compulsory in each and every hydraulic engineering course !
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Are Students Ready to Adopt E-Learning? A Preliminary E-readiness Study of a University in the Gulf RegionAs e-learning gains popularity in many Colleges and Universities worldwide, the evaluation of e-learning readiness is critical for the successful implementation of e-learning as a platform for various learning environments. Success in e-learning can be achieved by understanding the needs as well as the readiness of all stakeholders in a particular e-learning environment. This paper provides a discussion on the students’ readiness and their perceptions towards the implementation of e-learning in a university located in the gulf region. The institution under study is in the beginning stages of implementing an e-learning environment for a number of its courses. Students in the College of Information Technology were volunteered to participate in this study. A survey was conducted to identify and analyze key components of e-learning readiness: technology, Internet usage, and general understanding of e-learning and culture at this institution. Study findings indicate that there is a high acceptance level in adopting e-learning in this particular institution. Results also show that a fairly high percentage of students think that e-learning could contribute positively to their learning experience. Finally, e-learning may ultimately help students build confidence in taking charge of their learning and become independent learners.