ABET Accreditation

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ABET AccreditationLifelong Learning Rajeev
Bansal

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Accreditation

• UConn EE and CMPE programs are accredited by
  ABET.
• UConn EngrPhys program is relatively small and
  has not been submitted for accreditation yet.

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ABET 2000 Basic Philosophy

• Institutions and Programs define objectives to
  meet the needs of their constituents
• Emphasis on outcomes -- preparation for
  professional practice
• Programs demonstrate how outcomes and
  educational objectives are being met assessment

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What are Program Educational Objectives?

• Broad statements describing what our graduates
  should be doing 3-5 years after graduation.
• Our alumni will
• make technical contributions to design,
  development, and manufacturing in their practice
  of EE/computer engineering.
• Advance in their professional career.
• engage in professional development or
  post-graduate education to pursue flexible career
  paths amid future technological changes.

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EE/CompE Program Constituents
       Undergraduate students       
Faculty        Alumni        Employers of
Program Graduates
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Student Outcomes ABET (a)-(k)
Engineering programs must demonstrate that their
graduates have a. An ability to apply knowledge
of mathematics, science and engineering
appropriate to the discipline b. An ability to
design and conduct experiments, analyze and
interpret data c. An ability to design a system,
component, or process to meet desired needs
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Student Outcomes ABET (a)-(k) (continued)
d. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary
teams e. An ability to identify, formulate, and
solve engineering problems f. An understanding
of professional and ethical responsibility g. An
ability to communicate effectively
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Student Outcomes ABET (a)-(k) (continued)
h. The broad education necessary to understand
the impact of engineering solutions in a societal
context i. A recognition of the need for, and an
ability to engage in life-long learning j. A
knowledge of contemporary issues k. An ability
to use the techniques, skills, and modern
engineering tool necessary for engineering
practice
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Student Outcomes Assessment

• Demonstrate that graduates have achieved desired
  outcomes
• Assess the level of outcome achievement
• Apply results to continuous improvement of
  program

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Assessment Methods(EE/CompE Program)

• Direct
• Senior Design Project Evaluation
• ABET Quiz (CSE/ECE 4901)
• Assessment in ECE 2001W and ECE 3201
• Indirect
• Alumni Survey data
• IAB feedback
• Senior Exit Interview data
• EBI Survey data
• Course Assessment data

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Lifelong Learning

• In the new economy, you graduate and youre set
  for fifteen minutes. Working and learning are
  fast becoming the same activity.
• Don Tapscott, The Digital Economy.

Source l3d.cs.colorado.edu/ philosophy.html
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Something to think about

• The illiterate person of the future will not
  be the person who has not learned how to read,
  but rather the person who has not learned how to
  learn.
• Soc. of Manufacturing Eng.

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Lifelong Learning is not a new fad.

• The first issue (1922) of Readers Digest led
  with an article on the importance of continuing
  to learn throughout ones life.
• Author Alexander Graham Bell

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Half-life of Knowledge

• 7.5 years (ME)
• 5 years (EE)
• 2.5 years (CMPE)
• (an expert estimate from the 1980s cited by
  Ernest T. Smerdon, Lifelong Learning for
  Engineers Riding the Whirlwind)

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Approaches to Lifelong Learning

• In-house training/seminars
• Conferences Workshops
• Short Courses
• Part-time graduate courses
• Graduate School
• Professional School
• Self-directed learning

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In-House Training/Seminars

• Common at large companies
• Almost always free
• Done on company-time

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Conferences Workshops

• Join IEEE today!
• Local Chapter Meetings
• Regional Conferences
• National Conferences
• Workshops
• Trade Shows

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Short Courses

• Offered by universities (e.g., UCLA, GeorgiaTech)
• Offered by commercial organizations

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Part-time graduate courses

• Evening classes
• EE/CompE
• Related fields (e.g., Materials Science)
• Professional (e.g., MBA)

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Graduate School

• MS-without a thesis
• MS-with a thesis
• MENG
• PhD (research, academic positions)

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Professional School

• Management (MBA)
• Patent Law (JD)

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Self-Directed Learning

• Trade journals
• Handbooks
• Videos/DVDs
• On-line resources

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Lifelong Learning The fun never stops!