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PI'S COLUMN
Welcome to Gateway and our
newsletter, Gateway Vistas. "Vistas" connotes that we have a
collective vision of a holistic engineering educational
enterprise, which is far different from that of the past.
Those are shallow words, however, until backed by actions of
the many faculty, staff, administrators, and friends who
have helped along the way and who are preparing to meet the
new challenges.
The Gateway Coalition, as it
embarks on Phase II, moves from the development of programs
and materials to their implementation and
institutionalization. I liken it to a technology transfer
challenge - taking the work from the laboratory to the
marketplace. Our institutions have partnered to develop many
initiatives spanning a wide spectrum of the engineering
educational enterprise. Faculty and students are finalizing
innovative products and processes of curriculum development.
Learning how to learn, both by students and faculty, and
learning different modes of teaching and educating are
priorities. Video conferencing and other telecommunications
media are embedded in our educational process as we unite
the working world with students and faculty of multiple
institutions.
We are pleased to have been
recognized by the Smithsonian Institution for these
initiatives but most important is the support they offer the
successes in curricular and learning/teaching reform. What
has also been very encouraging is that we have a much better
understanding of the need, value and process of assessment
at every level of what we do. Perhaps the most heartening
change is the bridging of boundaries: departmental,
collegiate, and institutional. In Gateway, the work is
accomplished by teams that transcend those artificial
boundaries. Our Phase II program plan includes further steps
in this direction, including a program of "Academic
Associates." A significant cultural change among students,
faculty, and institutions is taking place, as well. The
changes are the results of the free inquiry among creative
individuals that has been stimulated by a small group of
dedicated and supportive leaders. It is exciting to serve as
an agent of change, and the Gateway leaders and participants
have all contributed to this valuable opportunity.
The Gateway Deans, Governing
Board, and other Coalition members have committed to the
following initiatives:
- Imbed assessment and
evaluation, as well as continuous improvement, as
fundamental ingredients of the educational
process.
- Imbed a culture in the
learning environment for professional development of
faculty and students.
- Broaden diversity of
race, gender, and socio-economic status to enlarge
opportunities for development of our human capital and to
enhance the respect for and benefits of diverse
cultures.
- Broaden the use of
information technology to further the learning and
educational objectives.
- Routinely link and share
with others to transcend individual, disciplinary, and
institutional boundaries.
- Implement and
continuously improve innovative and adaptable curricula.
It is essentially through
the commitment of our faculty and staff that these
objectives will be met. I look forward to everyone's
continued dedication to these ideals and believe that, five
years from now, we will have witnessed a second wave of
significant change in our institutions.
Welcome aboard the Gateway
express with its vistas opening new paths to the future of
engineering education. For those who have yet to join the
changing paradigm in engineering education, please come
aboard.
Eli
Fromm
Gateway
P.I.
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