Use of educational technology in manufacturing engineering and technology education

Educational technology offers capabilities that may enhance undergraduate education in engineering and technical fields. This study surveyed manufacturing educators to determine what educational technologies are being used, the factors that affect the adoption of the technologies, and their perceived impact. Faculty members in manufacturing education have high relative intensity of concern and awareness for new educational technologies along with strong concerns about the time and resources related to the use of educational technology in manufacturing education. Expanded use of educational technology in the future may help create student interest in manufacturing and technical education. Increased incentives to support the use of educational technology tools can increase the productivity and reach of educational programs. The information collected establishes a baseline of current usage that can help identify opportunities for faculty expand the use of educational technologies that can help manufacturing education meet the challenges of the future.