Stimulating change in engineering education

It is generally agreed that major changes are necessary in engineering education, mainly for three reasons. First, the role of the engineer is changing markedly. Second, advances in technology are altering educational methods. Third, today´s students are seeking active roles in the operation of the university. What is needed is a program incorporating experimentation, flexibility, and feedback, such as an honors program of the type now functioning at the University of Illinois. The Illinois program, which is described in this article, by definition exists for honor students. However, it has proved to be a stimulus for change in the entire undergraduate program of the college.