Projects as Socio-Technical Systems in Engineering Education

This book presents the case for Project-Based Learning within Socio-Technical Systems in Engineering Education. The book highlights the importance of projects as Socio-Technical Systems as a means for supporting and enhancing international accreditation of engineering programs. Practical examples illustrate how Socio-Technical Systems are brought into the educational environment through Project-Based Learning. The book goes on to discusses the impact this may have on Engineering Education practice.

The work presented will enable engineering educators to develop curricula that can respond to societal needs, while also enhancing teaching and learning. It offers an approach to engineering education that centers on engaging scholars in projects that are located within socio-technical systems. University, government and industry leaders will gain from this book as it provides insight into strategic planning and partnership-building for Engineering Education.

We hope this book will further foster deep scholarship of research to ready engineering faculties for engaging responsibly with their surrounding communities.

• Offers applications of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Engineering Education
• Matches elements of Socio-Technical Systems in Higher Engineering Education, with the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) required by professional engineering bodies
• Provides practical examples for the establishment of project environments within an academic faculty
• Shows examples in the success of execution of projects involving engineering educators, researchers, program developers, government agencies and industry partners
• Presents a framework to develop Project-Based Learning in Engineering Education that addresses Socio-Technical requirements and will enable engineering educators to collaboratively develop engineering curricula with industry that will respond to societal needs