An evaluation of the impact of C&IT in engineering education

The engineering industry is making increasing use of technology based training to support continuing professional development. This approach is in contrast to the typical learning experience of engineering undergraduates. This paper reports and analyses the results of an investigation into current practice in the use of communications and information technology (C&IT) in engineering education, as reported by practicing academics, compared to the perceived needs of such experience by industry. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Learning and Teaching Support Network for Engineering. Data was elicited using questionnaires from engineering academics and industry; in addition a small number of personal interviews were conducted with appropriate industrial representatives. This paper reports the important findings of this study.