Integrating Industry Experts into Engineering Education: Case Study
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 135, Issue 1
Abstract
An advanced grade control course is described as a model for industry involvement in special topics educational offerings. Several unique aspects of these courses were the lack of textbooks on the topic, little previously developed course content, and the lack of faculty expertise in the subject area. In light of these challenges the course was successfully implemented by selecting industry experts and coordinating their efforts into a cohesive learning experience. The writers worked with representatives from McAninch Corporation, Ziegler Caterpillar, and other organizations to develop the courses at Iowa State University. Since the courses were the first known offerings of their kind, qualitative interviews were conducted to identify appropriate educational outcomes and objectives necessary to expedite the process of becoming an advanced grade control specialist. These outcomes and objectives can be applied to a variety of educational delivery systems and were helpful in determining suitable course material, topics, and structure.
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Acknowledgments
The advanced grade control courses would not have been possible without the continued support of McAninch Corporation and Ziegler Caterpillar. Tim Tometich, McAninch Corporation, and Chris Mazur, Ziegler Caterpillar, were primary sources of information for course development. Primary lecturers were Chris Mazur and Derek Graupman, Ziegler Caterpillar, and Tim Tometich, McAninch Corporation. Other lecturers were Grant Corell, Corell Contractor, Inc.; Lance Elliot, Master: Engineering, Real Estate and Construction; Kent Nicholson, Iowa Department of Transportation; Dan Sheldon, Snyder and Associates, Inc.; Mark Rhinehardt, Ziegler Caterpillar; Bart Booth, AGTEK Development Company, Inc.; and Chris Fleschner, Peterson Contractors, Inc. Dave Guinotte, Trimble Navigation, Ltd., assisted by reviewing course content, arranging course materials, and providing class meals. Thanks also go out to Justin Lechtenberg, Reilly Construction Company, Inc.; Kent Nicholson, Iowa Department of Transportation; and Lance Elliot, Master; Engineering, Real Estate and Construction who provided supplemental evaluations of course syllabi. Nathan Hagberg, Wolin and Associates, Inc., also contributed by editing a draft of this paper.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 135 • Issue 1 • January 2009
Pages: 4 - 10
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 18, 2006
Accepted: Nov 16, 2007
Published online: Jan 1, 2009
Published in print: Jan 2009
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