This course relies on community involvement, Introduction to Student Projects Student Project Solicitation - This newsletter issue marks the beginning of course planning and organizational efforts for the upcoming academic year. While there are many tasks that I work on myself, I rely on suggestions from the local community to identify authentic problems that can be pursued as student projects in the course. Benefits of Student Projects What is the role of student projects in the course? - Students who enroll in the course have the opportunity to work in a project team of three with the goal of fabricating and testing a functional prototype device that addresses a specific challenge or difficulty experienced by a person with a disability or older adult in the local community. How do students benefit from the projects they work on? - These projects are a key course activity, providing students with an opportunity to exercise their knowledge and creativity to address real-world problems. In pursuing their projects, students acquire or practice (and hopefully improve) the skills that they will use thoughout their future professional careers - including working in teams, interacting with people in the local community, solving problems by following an engineering design development process, employing course knowledge in a practical context, sharpening fabrication techniques, developing critical thinking skills, and enhancing presentation & report writing abilities. These are the course's primary teaching goals. In what other ways do the projects enhance a student's education? - Project involvement exposes students to the engineering, medical, and social issues facing engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, clinicians, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and encourages them to apply their engineering skills and design expertise to help assistive technology users increase their independence and improve their quality of life. What are the benefits for someone who suggests a project? - Project "suggestors" have the opportunity to become involved in the course including attending lectures and working with a team of bright Stanford students to advance their knowledge, skills, and influence the design and development of a prototype device that addresses a specific disability or aging problem. When will project suggestions be accepted? - Project suggestions are being accepted now until December. Please email a short description for review. What additional information will be provided? - Future newsletter issues will address the Suggestion Submission Process, Project Requirements, the Problem Statement, and Benefits & Expectations for project suggestors. Other Support the course - Funding in any amount for the course and student projects is always welcomed. Monetary gifts support approved project expenses, administrative costs, honoraria for guest lecturers, and the end-of-term celebration. Refer to the Course and Project Support webpage for more information. Email questions, comments, or suggestions - Please email me if you have general questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the course. Thank you again for your interest. Dave
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