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Session 2247

DEVELOPING COST-EFFECTIVE LABORATORY EXERCISES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS 1 Austin B. Asgill, 2Willie K. Ofosu Southern Polytechnic State University1 / Penn State Wilkes-Barre2

Abstract

Telecommunications equipment that are commonly utilized in industry are generally expensive and it is becoming increasingly more difficult for universities to afford even some of the most basic of these equipment for their laboratories. As a result, Engineering Technology programs have had to resort to alternative means of providing the requisite laboratory training for their students. One such effective alternative is to use simulations to give students a hands-on experience of specific technologies. Many standard software packages, as well as specialized packages that are available for use in Telecommunications Engineering Technology programs, can be utilized to emphasize particular telecommunications theories or to simulate specific technologies. This paper discusses the approaches used in the Telecommunication programs at Pennsylvania State University Wilkes-Barre, and Southern Polytechnic State University.

Introduction

In an ever evolving technological world, there is a need for university and college programs to keep up with the developments in industry. This is especially true for those educational institutions that offer programs in the engineering technologies, engineering, and computer related fields. Since the graduates from these institutions form the pool of new employees for industry, it is important that industry contributes ideas on the preparation of the graduates. Industry constantly functions at the cutting edge of technology. As such, it can be expected that suggestions from industry will be based on current technological applications. In order for graduates to be sufficiently well prepared for the work place, they will need to be instructed on the latest developments in industry. It is for reasons such as these that many programs utilize Industrial Advisory Committees (IAC) who can provide an industrial perspective to the institutions.

The IAC forms an essential component to the administration of academic programs in providing advice on current industrial practices and the direction technology may take in the foreseeable future. Such information contributes in designing laboratory exercises that are appropriate for technological courses. Through this approach, students get the opportunity to learn aspects of industrial practices before graduation. This helps to create a seamless transition from the academic environment to the industrial setting.

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Asgill, A., & Ofosu, W. (2005, June), Developing Cost Effective Laboratory Exercises For Telecommunications Programs Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14644