More experiences with Microsoft PROJECT in senior design classes

Author

Schultz, Thomas W.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. Eng., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN, USA

Volume

1

fYear

1995

fDate

1-4 Nov 1995

Abstract

An update is given on experiences with the use of project scheduling software in a sequence of design classes. In addition to reviewing a previous approach (T.W. Schultz, 1994), it describes new steps taken to improve the student acceptance of the software. The initial learning process has been eased by “Cue Cards” included in the new version of PROJECT. Student acceptance has improved remarkably. The PERT chart has become unnecessary since task dependencies can now be shown directly on the Gantt chart. Homework to teach the concepts of tasks, dependencies, and scheduling now precedes the introduction of the software. This develops a clearer idea of task and scheduling concepts so the software becomes a simple tool rather than an inflexible master. Requiring weekly tracking Gantt charts increases the students´ perception of the software´s value. The paper concludes with fresh student comments and plans for future changes and improvements

Keywords

CAD; computer aided engineering; computer science education; courseware; design engineering; engineering education; project engineering; teaching; Cue Cards; Microsoft PROJECT; PERT chart; engineering projects; future changes; homework; initial learning process; project scheduling software; scheduling concepts; senior design classes; student acceptance; student comments; student perception; task dependencies; weekly tracking Gantt charts; Education; Educational institutions; Mice; Packaging; Printers; Software tools;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Frontiers in Education Conference, 1995. Proceedings., 1995

Conference_Location

Atlanta, GA

ISSN

0190-5848

Print_ISBN

0-7803-3022-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/FIE.1995.483071

Filename

483071