Exploring the use of Photovoice with Entrepreneurial Design Projects as a High Impact Practice in Engineering Technology Education

Abstract

In the recent years, interdisciplinary research has become a necessary tool for successfully finding solutions to real-world problems. Yet, in the undergraduate engineering technology curriculum interdisciplinary projects is extremely limited (if used at all), particularly in non-capstone project courses. In this study we present findings and lessons learned from an interdisciplinary research project that integrates entrepreneurial mindset, bio-inspired design, and art into in an engineering technology classroom in the sophomore-year of the post-secondary engineering technology education. Engineering technology students enrolled in the Principles of Mechanical Systems course participated in this study, and were tasked with the design of a vehicle that would solve overcrowdedness in urban areas in the next century. Focus of the research was on innovative bio-inspired design that is backed by scientific evidence and the use of arts to convey the design. The students then expressed their opinions on their design project using a photovoice reflection of their learning. Student responses to the photovoice reflection prompts related to the design were qualitatively categorized under three themes: 1) demonstrating the importance of entrepreneurial thinking from the end user's perspective 2) stressing the importance of teamwork and communication and 3) using art as a communication tool.