Learning Environment In Engineering Technology With A High Percentage Of Non Traditional Students
Zbigniew Prusak
Abstract
The paper describes various aspects of university learning environment where a significant percentage of students works full time and has a substantial professional experience.Changes in population of Engineering Technology students at Central Connecticut State University largely reflect needs of the local and national job market as well as general perception of local population on the discipline.The change of non-traditional student population in Engineering Technology at CCSU in the past 10 years is described in relation to the economic health and activities of the area's industry.Reasons behind continuous education of workforce from personal, society and business perspectives are described.Lack of theoretical knowledge and limited availability of time to study, often place the non-traditional students at a disadvantage compared to day-time students.Challenges, as well as learning atmosphere diversification the non-traditional students bring to the classroom are also described.Changes in working students availability for evening and day classes, preliminary analysis of causes of the changes and impact on planning of academic activities are presented.Undertakings by some local companies whose employees attend evening and day classes are described.Some discipline-related technical and non-technical skills are examined in relevance to traditional and non-traditional students.Learning environment with a mixed population is also described from the point of view of benefits to traditional, non-traditional students and faculty.