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.
2. People of all ages and abilities
can participate in engineering
design at different levels.
Imagine . . .
3. Our CU Engineering Mission
To provide a multidisciplinary
learning environment
that integrates engineering
theory with practice
and promotes creative,
team-oriented problem-solving
skills.
4. So Why Do We Do It?
―I hear… I forget
I see… I remember
I do… I understand‖
—Confucius - c. 500 BC
―Tell me – and I forget
Teach me – and I may learn
Involve me – and I remember‖
—Benjamin Franklin
6. 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
7. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. • 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
12. 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”
13. • 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
15. Code
Place 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
16.
17. 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
18. Wireless InfraRed Mouse (WIRM)
• Made specifically for Gerald
• Delivered and used successfully
• Used existing hardware/software
making product design more user-
oriented
19. • 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!
20. • Clients
– Solutions are created for an individuals
may be applicable to others with similar
requirements.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
21. • Clients
– Providing access to experiences that
individuals may not have access to
otherwise.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
22. • Clients
– Providing clients with the opportunity to
assist in designing solutions for
themselves.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
23. • Clients
– Providing new ways for people with
limited access methods to
participate in engaging activities.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
24. – 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!
25. 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
