Document Type
Paper
Abstract
Having students work on service-oriented projects that meet basic human needs has become a popular strategy in engineering education; such active learning motivates students and prepares them for professional practice. While conventional engineering service project teams often implement a solution that meets human needs on the spot, exploratory technology development service projects, such as I address here, take time to reach proof of concept maturity, before wider application may occur. Whether implementing or developing, a Christian Engineer following Jesus finds solid ground by establishing links between objectives of a service-oriented project and the counsel of Scripture. Hebrews (13:3) calls Christian to remember prisoners, identifying with their mistreatment; Romans (8:19-21) suggests that the creation waits with anticipation for children of God to be revealed, and to be free from its bondage; James (2:14-17) explains that good works reveal the faith of a compassionate heart. While interpretations vary, I argue these passages support the value of Christian compassion as expressed in engineering projects focused on needs of people restricted in some way (e.g., physically or socially), that they may gain more independence. Such scriptural support is a start, but the Christian gospel presents God as an active agent in Jesus Christ, caring and participating with his image bearers in creative works of service, to fine tune both workers and the work, just as he did in the creation itself. Thus, the gospel compels a Christian to prayerfully seek the Lord, search the scriptures and consult with others beyond mere project justification to ongoing guidance, so those served as well as the servants are mutually blessed. Specifically, I suggest that despite inherent risks and limitations, developing electrical technologies conveys Christian compassion to the needs of certain people otherwise overlooked. Two examples involving ongoing projects at our school will illustrate: 1) flight tracking and messaging systems (FTMS) to follow small planes in remote locations, as a safety risk management service to the pilot and family; and 2) an assistive communication system known as wireless enabled remote co-presence (WERCware) intended for those with cognitive and behavioral disabilities to foster sustained employment and more independent living. After identifying scriptural and social support for these projects, this paper will describe our strategy for ongoing guidance, and comment on the challenges of maintaining responsible balance in our most recent work. Transferable principles will be suggested for the reader who wishes to extrapolate from our experience to another institution.
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How Developing Electrical Technologies Can Meet Human Needs with Christian Compassion
Having students work on service-oriented projects that meet basic human needs has become a popular strategy in engineering education; such active learning motivates students and prepares them for professional practice. While conventional engineering service project teams often implement a solution that meets human needs on the spot, exploratory technology development service projects, such as I address here, take time to reach proof of concept maturity, before wider application may occur. Whether implementing or developing, a Christian Engineer following Jesus finds solid ground by establishing links between objectives of a service-oriented project and the counsel of Scripture. Hebrews (13:3) calls Christian to remember prisoners, identifying with their mistreatment; Romans (8:19-21) suggests that the creation waits with anticipation for children of God to be revealed, and to be free from its bondage; James (2:14-17) explains that good works reveal the faith of a compassionate heart. While interpretations vary, I argue these passages support the value of Christian compassion as expressed in engineering projects focused on needs of people restricted in some way (e.g., physically or socially), that they may gain more independence. Such scriptural support is a start, but the Christian gospel presents God as an active agent in Jesus Christ, caring and participating with his image bearers in creative works of service, to fine tune both workers and the work, just as he did in the creation itself. Thus, the gospel compels a Christian to prayerfully seek the Lord, search the scriptures and consult with others beyond mere project justification to ongoing guidance, so those served as well as the servants are mutually blessed. Specifically, I suggest that despite inherent risks and limitations, developing electrical technologies conveys Christian compassion to the needs of certain people otherwise overlooked. Two examples involving ongoing projects at our school will illustrate: 1) flight tracking and messaging systems (FTMS) to follow small planes in remote locations, as a safety risk management service to the pilot and family; and 2) an assistive communication system known as wireless enabled remote co-presence (WERCware) intended for those with cognitive and behavioral disabilities to foster sustained employment and more independent living. After identifying scriptural and social support for these projects, this paper will describe our strategy for ongoing guidance, and comment on the challenges of maintaining responsible balance in our most recent work. Transferable principles will be suggested for the reader who wishes to extrapolate from our experience to another institution.