Work In Progress - Introduction to Innovation Modules: A multi-faceted Approach to Introducing Innovation to Freshman Engineering Students

The role of innovation and design is a key factor in differentiating leading engineers from their peers. Current engineering curriculum does not address this. We are currently using a variety of educational methods to introduce innovation as a concept throughout the engineering curriculum. A series of video podcasts on innovation have been generated which students can watch at their leisure. These video podcasts work together with in-class lectures that are more discussion based and open the door for insightful conversations regarding innovation. Utilizing online videos along with class discussion has enabled us to present innovation to all engineering students across disciplines by guest lecturing their each disciplines 'Introduction to Engineering' course. In addition, in-class exercises designed to encourage lateral thinking, as well as creative problem solving are used to teach basic design and innovation. All of the exercises are group projects that require the students to work in areas outside their area of expertise and encourage exploratory based learning. The curriculum for teaching education is still under development and in this paper we will present the initial curriculum and the results from the first semester this material was taught.