The Role of an AC Network Calculator in the Electrical Engineering Curriculum at the Pennsylvania State University

Changes are being made in the content of presentday electrical engineering curriculums which require a fresh, modern outlook with regard to techniques pertaining to problem assignments and laboratory projects. Course content is being upgraded and broadened in the direction of a fundamental analytical approach. The recent revision of the electrical engineering curriculum at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, includes liberal use of an ac network calculator in all electrical engineering options, which are outlined in this paper. The uniqueness of the ac network calculator at the University is that it is used exclusively for educational purposes, especially in the Department of Electrical Engineering. This paper discusses the "when, where, and how" of the utilization of this facility in the electrical engineering curriculum.     

Modification of attitudes of regular class children towards the handicapped for the purpose of achieving integration

Two experimental procedures for positively modifying the attitudes of regular classroom children towards the handicapped were conducted. In both studies, curriculum and/or experiences with the handicapped were introduced to randomly selected groups of regular class elementary children. The curriculum consisted of literature, filmstrips, and lectures about handicapped children, while the experiences consisted of controlled integrational activities. The results indicated that the procedures were partially successful in modifying the attitudes of regular class children towards the handicapped. It was concluded that techniques must be developed systematically for achieving more positive attitudes in regular class children if “mainstreaming” is to become an effective educational concept.     

The Study of Management Subjects in Building Engineering Courses

In building engineering education throughout Europe the emphasis has been on ensuring the highest levels of theory and practice in structural analysis and design. The graduates from course' have entered practice with construction contractors or design practices. In both cases there is now a need to provide clients with a cost effective and ‘buildable’ building. The building engineer needs to be aware of the cost and organizational issues in achieving a quality structure working within a team of client, architect, building engineer and/or contractor. This paper proposes some ideas for the development of construction management studies which will provide the building engineering graduate with knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute fully to the process of construction. This will put their theoretical and fundamental studies in the context of practice so that they can meet client needs for quality, cost-effectiveness and efficient buildings.