Information-based engineering design and the ABET 2000

This paper presents a new approach to teach engineering design to senior undergraduate students and a method used to assess student learning. Recognizing the rapid expansion of information technology, an effort is made to teach a software system used in industry-Pro/ENGINEER-in a design technical elective course. The process of teaching the software is integrated into the process of learning design theory, hands on manufacturing experience, communication and teamwork skills. The participating students are asked to study Engineering Criteria (EC) 2000 and to write a learning essay to evaluate their learning experience using an outcome/assessment matrix. Results obtained from the student evaluation based on Criterion 3 of EC 2000 point out the importance of teaching today´s job-related skills. They also strongly indicate the need of teaching the engineering fundamentals that shape students´ long-term career prospects.