Retention 101: Where Robots Go, Students Follow

摘要

Wayne (IPFW) we have developed ETCS 101 -Introduction to Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science, a freshman success course for students in the School of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science (ETCS). The main objective of this course is to help students find a successful career path early in their studies, i.e. increase retention. The course aims to provide students with sufficient computer and personal development skills and to help them develop the right mental attitude conducive for academic success. Features of the course include projects of software and hardware nature, extensive use of the Internet and Web software tools, and a team-teaching format. As the main project of this course, small teams of students design, build, program, and test an autonomous mobile robot using LEGO parts, sensors, and the Robotic Command eXplorer (RCX) controller. This is a multidisciplinary, project-driven learning process that encourages students to develop problem solving and teamwork skills and fosters their creativity and logic. Robotic projects are multidisciplinary in the sense that they involve a wide range of disciplines; including computer science, physics, math, biology, psychology, engineering, and art.