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At the 2013 Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities’ National Conference, Imagine! tech guru Alex Andrews and University of Colorado Professor Melinda Piket-May gave a presentation on a collaboration which involved CU Engineering students creating assistive technologies for individuals with developmental disabilities served by Imagine!. The collaboration has been very successful. Check out the presentation to learn more.
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Building Community through
Collaboration
People of all ages and abilities can participate in engineering design at different levels.
Imagine . . .
Our CU Engineering Mission
To provide a multidisciplinary learning environment that integrates engineering theory
with practice and promotes creative, team-oriented problem-solving skills.
So Why Do We Do It?
“I hear… I forgetI see… I rememberI do… I understand”
—Confucius - c. 500 BC
“Tell me – and I forgetTeach me – and I may learn
Involve me – and I remember”—Benjamin Franklin
A High-Tech Learning Environment
“First we shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.”
— Winston Churchill
The ITL Laboratory
• A three-story 34,500 sq. ft. building• Visible, flexible architecture and
systems• More than 85% student-usable space• Open laboratory spaces linked by a
high-speed computer network• Supports design/build/test activities• High usage: 4,200+ students in
65 courses/yr
Manufacturing Center“Create what you dream”
A range of fabrication tools:• 2 CNC mills• CNC lathe• 3-D rapid prototyper
• 2 CNC laser cutters• Conventional machine tools• Pneumatic hand tool bench
Electronics Center
• Fabrication• Simulation• Prototyping• Calibration• Testing
“Create what you dream”
Dedicated Design/Build Space
Two design studios:• 1,000 sq. ft. “smart" classroom• Workbenches and hand tools• Group work tables• Project storage lockers• Six PCs
First-Year Engineering Projects
• College-wide initiative; mix of majors• 17 sections annually; small class size
(32)• Hands-on interdisciplinary design teams• Outstanding, student-focused teachers• Cooperative, success-oriented culture• Intro to the excitement of engineering• Taught in limited-access design studios
Engineering is about creating things that
benefit society
• Introduction to engineering as a career
• Function in a multi-disciplinary team• Experience the design/build process• Engineering methods• Communication skills (oral and written)
FYEP Course Goals
FYEP Student Benefits
• Motivation for learning– Student “ownership” in projects
• Introduction to ITL resources• Enhanced problem-solving
ability– Open-ended problems require
“learning how to learn”
• Improved retention• Enhanced confidence in
engineering skills• Higher technical performance
– Higher GPA in subsequent courses– Graduates highly valued for their high
technical performance
More Student Benefits
Building Community through
Collaboration
CodePlace puzzle piece in
As a row is completed, lights turn on and a
tune will play
When entire puzzle is completed, grand finale of lights and
song will play
Wireless Infrared Mouse
Uses an infrared LED mounted in a case worn on wrist, a WiiMote (infrared receiver), and a computer
WiiMote Whiteboard translates
wristband movement into
cursor movement
Wireless InfraRed Mouse (WIRM)• Made specifically for Gerald• Delivered and used successfully• Used existing hardware/software making
product design more user-oriented
• Staff– Provides opportunities for staff to
participate in creating solutions for the clients they work closely with.
– Provides staff a new activity to engage in with the client.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Solutions are created for an individuals may
be applicable to others with similar requirements.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Providing access to experiences that
individuals may not have access to otherwise.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients– Providing clients with the opportunity to
assist in designing solutions for themselves.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
• Clients
– Providing new ways for people with limited access methods to participate in engaging activities.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
– Cause and Effect Projects • Off the shelf products are cost prohibitive
• Clients find specific activities/objects reinforcing
• Prefab products rarely offer the combination of specific reinforcements that would lead to client interest.
• Utilizing simple interfaces that allow clients to participate
– Sliders, switched, touch pads, etc.
How the Collaboration Benefits Imagine!
Challenges
• Resources– Hands-on projects take time and money– Self-funded student projects encourage
learning fiscal management– Storage (everyone needs a garage!)
• Ensuring equal participation/learning• Faculty role:
– Facilitator - Coach vs. holder of all knowledge
QUESTIONS?aandrews@imaginecolorado.org
Melinda.Piket-May@cu.edu
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