A new approach to the introduction to technology course at a four year college of engineering technology

As part of a National Science Foundation Institution Wide Curriculum reform grant, several freshmen courses in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (SMET) from across the University of Hartford were completely revised with the specific goals of improving the students appreciation of SMET, improving the first year experience, and increasing student retention. Increased faculty participation was also a primary goal. Among these courses was ET111, Introduction to Engineering Technology, which is required of all freshmen students attending the Ward College of Technology. To address these issues the course was completely revised to include a team teaching format, expansion of subject topics to include student academic and social requirements, basic research skills in the form of a research project, demonstrations of scientific principles through "hands on" exercises, use of basic computer analysis techniques, and introduction to industry professionals through monthly seminars. The importance of teamwork was also a focal point of the course. A full presentation of the course outline, the results of several student surveys and a detailed review of several of the more unique aspects of the course will be presented. Overall the student response to the course was quite good and it significantly improved the dialog between the staff, faculty and students.