David L. Jaffe, MS
Lathrop Library Classroom 282
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:50pm PST

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

1. How do I sign up for this course?
   This three-unit course is available in Axess under ENGR110. If you need to take an upper-level course or are a graduate student, sign up for ENGR210. For students whose schedule does not permit working on a team-based project, one-unit options (with or without a letter grade) are offered.

2. What year should I take the course?
   The course is open to any undergraduate or graduate student from any academic discipline. There are no prerequisites. However students who desire to work on a team-project that involves fabricating a device should consider waiting until their junior or senior year after they have taken a course that requires using the Product Realization Lab.

3. What is the structure of the course?
   The course consists of semi-weekly seminars or facility tours and a team-based assistive technology design project. Lectures start promptly at 3:15pm. Students work in teams and interact with users, project partners, and coaches to identify needs and potential design concepts, fabricate and test a functional assistive technology device, and report the results of their efforts.

4. Can I work on an assistive technology project if I can’t take ENGR110?
   Yes, you can work on a project as independent study as an undergraduate student (ME191) or as a graduate student (ME319) in the Spring, Fall, or Summer Quarters. Different schedules and situations can be accommodated.

5. What are the enrollment options for the course?

   • Three credit unit option for undergraduates - enroll in ENGR110 to participate in a team-based project. This option can be taken for a letter grade or Credit / No Credit. (Projects can be continued in the Spring Quarter as Independent Study.) This option is recommended for juniors and seniors.

   • Three credit unit option for graduate students - enroll in ENGR210 to participate in a team-based project. This option can be taken for a letter grade or Credit / No Credit. (Projects can be continued in the Spring Quarter as Independent Study.)

   • One credit unit option for Credit / No Credit - enroll in lecture-only ENGR110/210. This option serves both undergraduate and graduate students whose schedule does not permit working on a team project.

   • One credit unit option for a Letter Grade - enroll in this ENGR110/210 option in the Winter Quarter either research an assistive technology topic, pursue a report or "paper design" of an assistive technology device that benefits an individual with a disability or an older adult. This option serves both undergraduate and graduate students whose schedule does not permit working on a team project, but require a letter grade.

6. Can I take the course for the one unit option this year, and work on a team project next year?
   Yes, sign up for ENGR110 this year for one credit unit. Then sign up for ENGR210 for three credit units next year. You can also enroll next year as independent study. Both options require the approval of your faculty advisor.

7. I am at the limit of the number of units I can take this quarter. Can I enroll for one or two credit units and work on a team project?
   Yes, but you are expected to complete all the 3-unit course requirements.

8. What opportunities are there for Stanford students with a disability?

   1. Enroll in the course as a student.
   2. Suggest a suitable student project that would address a challenge that you experience.
   3. Participate as a panelist in the class session: Perspectives of Stanford Students and Faculty with a Disability
   4. Sit in on class sessions to listen to presentations by guest lecturers on topics that interest you.
   5. Attend the Assistive Technology Faire.

9. What opportunities are there for working on an assistive technology project over the summer?
   In addition to Independent Study, rising seniors in Mechanical Engineering can work on an assistive technology project as a part of the Mechanical Engineering Department Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) program.

10. What is the process for applying to be a Course Assistant?

    • Course Assistants must be Co-term or Graduate students from any discipline.
    • It is strongly recommended that a Course Assistant applicant has taken the course.
    • There is only one 25% Course Assistant position available each year.
    • Course Assistant activities include:
      • Attend all class sessions
      • Assist with classroom setup and reset
      • Meet with several student project teams during the quarter outside of classtime
      • Evaluate student teams' mid-term and end-of-term project presentations
      • Read and markup student teams' mid-term and end-of-term project reports
      • Review student teams' final prototype design and functionality
      • Help with course grading
      • Promote class discussion by asking the first question to the Instructor or Guest Lecturer
      • Provide comments and suggestions
      • There are no assignments, problem sets, quizzes, or exams to grade
    • Get more information about Course Assistantship at.Course Assistant Application Process on the Mechanical Engineering Intranet including timelines, deadlines, eligibility, funding, and Application Form.
    • All Course Assistant applicants will be interviewed by the Instructor.

11. Can you help me with an assistive technology project that is unrelated to the course?
    Yes, I would be pleased to be a resource.

See the course syllabus for more information.

Updated 10/212024

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