Using the computer as a tool in engineering technology programs

Abstract

Computers are becoming increasingly important tools in engineering as the pressure to produce world class products in the United States expands. Computers are revolutionizing the way engineers "do" engineering. Concepts such as concurrent engineering, solids modeling, design for manufacturability and assembly, statistical process control, total quality management, injection molding simulation and finite element analysis all use the computer to assist engineers in the creation of better quality products in a much shorter cycle time than was previously possible. Many companies in the USA now rely on products that are less than two years old to produce much of their income. Unfortunately, this push to educate engineers who can compete in this new world class market comes at the same time when universities are facing shrinking budgets and increasing class sizes. Yet, the engineering students of today must acquire the skills that they will need upon graduation to compete in that world class market. This paper discusses the challenges that engineering educators face in using the computer as an increasingly important tool in the curriculum in a academic world where shrinking resources seems to be the rule rather than the exception. The paper also discusses the problems of finding room in already too crowded programs to integrate these computer tools.