Virtual Internships in Engineering Education

September 4, 2012

First-year engineering students stand to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of the engineering profession, specifically mechanical engineering, thanks to a novel computer simulation. Naomi Chesler, Nicola J. Ferrier, and David W. Shaffer are developing a suite of simulations to educate and engage students, and increase the persistence of underrepresented groups, especially women, in engineering curricula nationwide.   These simulations will allow for measurement of learning gains, motivation to persist, and understanding of what being an engineer means, as well as allow for comparisons across institution, race/ethnicity, and gender. More information about the Epistemic Games Group is available here.