FIE 2011 - 2011 Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)

On behalf of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, and the three sponsoring societies, we are pleased to welcome you to FIE 2011. In the 30 years since FIE was last hosted in Rapid City, we’ve seen many innovations in engineering and computer science education. During that time, the Frontiers in Education Conference has become the premiere conference for innovative curricula and engineering education and research excellence. This would not have been possible without the vision and strong leadership of the three sponsoring professional societies ? ASEE Educational Research and Methods Division, IEEE Education Society, IEEE Computer Society. We, along with the sponsoring societies, are proud of the rich traditions of the FIE and the many engineering educators and educational researchers from around the globe who have contributed so much to our present understanding of how students learn. The theme of this year’s conference, “Monumental Innovations from Around the World” celebrates both this diverse community of international scholars and the rich history of educational research over the past thirty years that has ushered in a new era for engineering and science education. It seems only fitting then that we continue this celebration of excellence by hosting this year’s reception at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.

FIE 2011 has an exciting and innovative technical program which is made possible by the Planning Committee, a large group of dedicated professionals who volunteer their time to this cause. The program co-chairs from the sponsoring societies ? Jim Morgan of ERM, Arnold Pears of the IEEE Computer Society, and Susan Burkett of the IEEE Education Society ? coordinate the paper review process and organize the technical sessions. The program co-chairs are joined by the Internal Program Chairs, Melany M. Ciamp and Edumndo Tovar Caro and the Special Sessions Chair Jeff Froyd. Krishna Madhaven, as the New Faculty Fellows Chair, coordinates the new faculty fellows program, a valuable influx of new people and innovations. Robert Hofinger continues in his key role as Exhibits Chair and Ed Jones as Conference Historian. We are pleased to have had such a dedicated group of program chairs who provide countless hours to organize the technical sessions, workshops, and special sessions that make FIE the innovative and compelling conference that it is.

In addition to the technical program, there is a great deal of logistics and support planning that must be accomplished to make FIE the special conference that it is. We are both fortunate and thankful for the logistics support from Kevin Curry and the Kansas University Continuing Education staff and to Dan Budny, Publications Chair. In addition to providing all of the logistical and publications support that is necessary for the conference, Kevin and Dan provide the continuity and institutional memory that is necessary for the planning committee to do its job. In addition, we would like to thank Larry Richards and the FIE 2010 Planning Committee who continue to offer the support and guidance for the FIE 2011 program. Finally, we would like to thank the FIE Steering Committee for their leadership in ensuring the uniqueness that is FIE.

FIE is more than just a place to present papers. It is a place to meet and welcome new people and welcome old colleagues. It is a place to interact and discuss new ideas and new innovations. In short, it is a place to build not only a community of scholars but a community of friends. While you are here, we hope that you will have an opportunity to visit some of attractions in Rapid City and the Black Hills. A few of our favorites are Custer State Park, the Badlands National Park, and Spearfish Canyon. Fans of the TV show can visit the real Deadwood and play a hand of poker.