| NSF Org: |
DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | July 21, 2010 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | September 25, 2012 |
| Award Number: | 1003668 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Yvette Weatherton
DUE Division Of Undergraduate Education EDU Directorate for STEM Education |
| Start Date: | August 1, 2010 |
| End Date: | July 31, 2015 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $613,862.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $638,860.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
FY 2012 = $24,998.00 |
| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
2550 NORTHWESTERN AVE # 1100 WEST LAFAYETTE IN US 47906-1332 (765)494-1055 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
2233 171st Street Hammond IN US 46323-2051 |
| Primary Place of Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | Advanced Tech Education Prog |
| Primary Program Source: |
04001213DB NSF Education & Human Resource |
| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.076 |
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a modular-based multidisciplinary mechantronics curriculum that is flexible and customizable based on the changing needs of education and industry. The modules are designed to close the knowledge and skills gap in the area of mechatronics, as well as address the workforce challenges present in the regional areas of greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Three tiers of course modules (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels) are delivered to two year college freshmen and sophomores, as well as industry professionals allowing for certification at various levels. The modules are mapped to existing courses in the associate degree program at Purdue University-Calumet, Ivy Tech Community College, and the College of Dupage. Internship experiences are also made available to participating students by industry partners. On-going assessment is embedded in each project component to measure the effectiveness of the instructional materials, student learning (both in school and through internships), and instructional delivery. There is a strong focus on recruiting and engaging underrepresented students, as well as linking to local high schools by providing modules that supplement existing coursework.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
The goal of this project was to develop and implement a modular-based multidisciplinary mechatronics curriculum that is flexible and customizable based on changing needs of education and industry. The specific project goals were: 1) augment and reorganize existing electrical and mechanical engineering technology courses into thirty-two enhanced modules at three different tiers, 2) incorporate experiential learning in each module level so that the modules are meaningful and practical, and 3) incorporate innovative delivery of lecture and laboratory materials. Assessment of delivery was done, 1) by tracking course quality for continuous improvement and 2) by assessing project staff member’s performance related to module delivery. Under this project 32 modules have been developed and delivered at three institutions through distance learning technology. The modules were developed through input from advisory board composed of industry professionals and community college faculty members. The modules have been mapped to existing courses at two 2-year colleges towards their associate degree program. Sixty-six percent of all modules include project-based learning. The project used innovative delivery of the modules, such as synchronous on-line delivery, asynchronous delivery through streaming video, use of polycom technology, and 24/7 access to software and simulation tools. The project also involved at least 10 industry partners that provided internship opportunities to some students.
For more information, please go to:
http://webs.purduecal.edu/technology/meeting-workforce-needs-for-mechatronics-technicians/
Last Modified: 09/04/2015
Modified by: Niaz Latif
Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.
