Computer Science Student Resource Site by William Stallings [.pdf]
http://williamstallings.com/StudentSupport.html
This diverse collection of refreshers, how-tos, and research guides, while geared for computer science (CS) students, also has a few resources that are useful for anyone. A quick review of mathematical concepts and advice on how to write papers and abstracts fit in the later category. Students starting out in CS may find the explanation of binary and hexadecimal systems valuable, or perhaps the detailed guide to queuing analysis. An especially humorous article titled "What the Professor Really Means" will give CS students a better understanding of their instructors. Many of the documents were written by the site's creator; however, some of the links go to off-site resources. [CL]
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Useful Science and Engineering E-Books [.pdf]
http://www.cim.mcgill.ca/~ned/E-books.html
The author of this site -- Edward (Ned) Zrenda Moore -- has assembled a long list of online textbooks, which fall into categories of mechanical and electrical engineering, mathematics, software, and other pure sciences. Some of the titles are in-depth analyses spanning 500 pages, while others are short introductions less than 50 pages. Short, one-sentence descriptions/ reviews are given for most of the books. The author's "ultimate goal is to have enough books that someone could do an entire engineering degree with the books listed." Whether the books on this site are used in addition to or in replacement of standard university texts, they are certainly worth the short download time. [CL]
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Two from Louis A. Talman
Mathematics Animated [QuickTime]
http://clem.mscd.edu/~talmanl/MathAnim.html
The Teacher's Guide to Calculus, v0.2 [.pdf]
http://clem.mscd.edu/~talmanl/TeachCalculus/
Professor Talman of the Metropolitan State College of Denver offers these two sites as a reference for both students and teachers of mathematics. The first is an assortment of animations that demonstrate many mathematical concepts, which are often difficult to visualize. The only downside of the animations is the lack of explanation associated with them. Some have short descriptions, others are somewhat self explanatory, but the rest can initially be quite confusing. The second site is a work-in-progress; it contains the first five chapters of a book for "those who teach the first two or three calculus courses." Talman's book appears to have a good start and can be useful for students as well as teachers. [CL]
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Machine Vision Online: Tips for Successfully Applying Machine Vision [.pdf]
https://www.machinevisiononline.org/public/articles/index.cfm?cat=6
This Web site provides many articles and educational resources related to machine vision. Most of the materials come from companies with significant experience with the topic, including Ford Motor Company, Adept Technology, and many others. Visitors to the site can read about the basics of machine vision and learn how to successfully implement and design a system. Inexperienced people should start with the Strategies for New Users section, which contains a glossary of terms and a couple brief introductions. The Technical Papers section has information on the various components of a machine vision system, and Applications by Industry has case studies of several different operations. [CL]
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What is Design?
http://www.3d-i.org/
Children between the ages of nine and twelve will be drawn into this site that explores the world of design. It encourages "kids to develop critical viewing, technical mastery, artistic awareness, and practical, just, solutions." Many interactive games and activities are available, allowing users to create their own designs and share them with others. For example, children can design their own watch with a simple step-by-step process, and many watches are featured in a gallery. A wealth of information about different real-world design practices and products is also provided. Building architecture, bridge design, and devices used in outer space are all discussed. [CL]
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Cadbury: Maths in the Factory [.pdf]
http://www.cadburylearningzone.co.uk/maths/index_content.htm
What kid can resist chocolate? Certainly not many, and this site from the Cadbury Company uses chocolate to entice children to learn about mathematics. Users must apply their knowledge of basic math concepts to solve different problems in the Cadbury factory. The interactive scenarios, which are guided by a group of chocolate cartoon characters, let children practice their skills in arithmetic, measurement, interpretation of data, and geometric objects. There are also sections for teachers and parents. [CL]
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The American Engineering Campaign
http://www.americanengineeringcampaign.org/
The National Society of Professional Engineers developed this Web site to educate people about engineering. "The American Engineering Campaign aims to help people understand just what engineers do, the role engineers have in the many facets of everyday life, and the fun engineers have in their careers." Visitors to the site will find a great deal of information in the Information Kit section. It highlights twenty of the most important engineering achievements of the 20th century and lists some surprising facts about the profession. An especially interesting article considers what life would be like if everything created or inspired by engineering disappeared for a day. The Press Room contains several news articles and quotes about engineering. [CL]
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AHDS Guides to Good Practice
http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/goodguides/cad/
As part of the Arts and Humanities Data Service Project, this Guide to Good Practice covers computer-aided design (CAD). It is a free online handbook "for individuals and organisations involved in the creation, maintenance, use, and long-term preservation of CAD-based digital resources in the humanities." Rather than focusing on a specific software application and situation, the guide discusses a wide range of CAD tools and practices, offering an introduction upon which CAD users can build. The seven chapters describe hardware and software choices, data capturing and documentation, and archiving processes. [CL]
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