building community through collaboration
DESCRIPTION
At the 2013 Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities’ National Conference, Imagine! tech guru Alex Andrews and University of Colorado Professor Melinda Piket-May gave a presentation on a collaboration which involved CU Engineering students creating assistive technologies for individuals with developmental disabilities served by Imagine!. The collaboration has been very successful. Check out the presentation to learn more.TRANSCRIPT
Building Community through
Collaboration
People of all ages and abilities can participate in engineering design at different levels.
Imagine . . .
Our CU Engineering Mission
To provide a multidisciplinary learning environment that integrates engineering theory
with practice and promotes creative, team-oriented problem-solving skills.
So Why Do We Do It?
“I hear… I forgetI see… I rememberI do… I understand”
—Confucius - c. 500 BC
“Tell me – and I forgetTeach me – and I may learn
Involve me – and I remember”—Benjamin Franklin
A High-Tech Learning Environment
“First we shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.”
— Winston Churchill
The ITL Laboratory
• A three-story 34,500 sq. ft. building• Visible, flexible architecture and
systems• More than 85% student-usable space• Open laboratory spaces linked by a
high-speed computer network• Supports design/build/test activities• High usage: 4,200+ students in
65 courses/yr
Manufacturing Center“Create what you dream”
A range of fabrication tools:• 2 CNC mills• CNC lathe• 3-D rapid prototyper
• 2 CNC laser cutters• Conventional machine tools• Pneumatic hand tool bench
Electronics Center
• Fabrication• Simulation• Prototyping• Calibration• Testing
“Create what you dream”
Dedicated Design/Build Space
Two design studios:• 1,000 sq. ft. “smart" classroom• Workbenches and hand tools• Group work tables• Project storage lockers• Six PCs
First-Year Engineering Projects
• College-wide initiative; mix of majors• 17 sections annually; small class size
(32)• Hands-on interdisciplinary design teams• Outstanding, student-focused teachers• Cooperative, success-oriented culture• Intro to the excitement of engineering• Taught in limited-access design studios
Engineering is about creating things that
benefit society
• Introduction to engineering as a career
• Function in a multi-disciplinary team• Experience the design/build process• Engineering methods• Communication skills (oral and written)
FYEP Course Goals
FYEP Student Benefits
• Motivation for learning– Student “ownership” in projects
• Introduction to ITL resources• Enhanced problem-solving
ability– Open-ended problems require
“learning how to learn”
• Improved retention• Enhanced confidence in
engineering skills• Higher technical performance
– Higher GPA in subsequent courses– Graduates highly valued for their high
technical performance
More Student Benefits
Building Community through
Collaboration
CodePlace puzzle piece in
As a row is completed, lights turn on and a
tune will play
When entire puzzle is completed, grand finale of lights and
song will play
Wireless Infrared Mouse
Uses an infrared LED mounted in a case worn on wrist, a WiiMote (infrared receiver), and a computer
WiiMote Whiteboard translates
wristband movement into
cursor movement
Wireless InfraRed Mouse (WIRM)• Made specifically for Gerald• Delivered and used successfully• Used existing hardware/software making
product design more user-oriented
• Staff– Provides opportunities for staff to
participate in creating solutions for the clients they work closely with.
– Provides staff a new activity to engage in with the client.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Solutions are created for an individuals may
be applicable to others with similar requirements.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Providing access to experiences that
individuals may not have access to otherwise.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Providing clients with the opportunity to
assist in designing solutions for themselves.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients
– Providing new ways for people with limited access methods to participate in engaging activities.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
– Cause and Effect Projects • Off the shelf products are cost prohibitive
• Clients find specific activities/objects reinforcing
• Prefab products rarely offer the combination of specific reinforcements that would lead to client interest.
• Utilizing simple interfaces that allow clients to participate
– Sliders, switched, touch pads, etc.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
Challenges
• Resources– Hands-on projects take time and money– Self-funded student projects encourage
learning fiscal management– Storage (everyone needs a garage!)
• Ensuring equal participation/learning• Faculty role:
– Facilitator - Coach vs. holder of all knowledge
