2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS): This paper describes two activities developed for the pilot offering of a new first-year experience course for all engineering and computing majors in our college. The course is multi-disciplinary, with hands-on projects from several different areas. The course introduces engineering and computing design principles and practices, with a particular focus on an agile methodology. The first activity is part of the team building phase of the course, and it is a kinesthetic activity where students develop a process that satisfies constraints and meets an objective. The activity involves several sprints wherein the students measure their results, reflect, and improve their processes. It is adapted from an industry activity using balls; we use balloons because they are more cost effective and easier to store. The second activity is a team-based, computing-themed project where the students prototype an app for a humanitarian organization. The teams choose their topic from several provided lists (UN Sustainable Goals, for example), collaborate to create user stories (“as a [persona], I want to [do something] so that [a goal is achieved]”), develop functionality and wireframe mockups, then use free app simulation software to create an interactive app. Both activities are completed within a 2-hour classroom session (one session apiece). The first activity is assessed through an individual reflection essay about the student’s experience in developing, refining, and participating in the process. The second activity is assessed via a team lab report that showcases the brainstorming process and end result.