ASEE TELPhE Division as a Community of Transformation

Abstract

This innovative practice work in progress paper presents an initial review of the emerging role of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Technological and Engineering Literacy and Philosophy of Engineering (TELPhE) Division from the perspective of a community of transformation. The group seeks to reframe, redesign, and reposition technological and engineering literacy as a central pillar of engineering education. With a philosophical perspective and a critical view of education that connects engineering education to the liberal arts, the group has been moving forward to make an impact in the engineering education community. The goal of the group via all of the collective efforts, discussions, papers, articles, special reports, publications, special sessions, and workshops has been focused on providing a new forum and platform for discussions, debate and dialogue in advocating public awareness of technological and engineering literacy. As an ASEE Division, TELPhE has grown in attracting and engaging practitioners of engineering education, technological and engineering literacy, and philosophy in an ongoing examination of engineering philosophy, the scope of engineering education, and the impact of engineering and technology. Thus far the group has evolved organically but now seeks a theoretical framework to inform strategic planning and goal setting. To this end, the development of the group is framed as a community of transformation. The paper briefly reviews the evolution of the group from the Technological Literacy Constituent Committee and the internal and broader-based discussions and growth into the Technological and Engineering Literacy and Philosophy of Engineering Division. By starting to review the evolution and metamorphosis of the ideas that were developed by the group members and associates, the paper begins an analysis of TELPhE as a community of transformation to inform effective avenues for future activities to impact engineering, engineering education, and technological and engineering literacy.