I realized after I posted the thread that James and Jack are not the same. The middle initial and last name got me. Do you know James as well?
As for what we are trying to teach, you have raised a good question. At first I was going to teach advanced controls as they are related to pneumatics and hydraulics in Oil Refining. I am a Sr. Engineer at one. But I have been questioning myself if that is the best subject matter to teach these particular type of students. I think it is too focused to one industry so I have been looking to broaden the curriculem. The students in my courses are laid off blue collar workers looking to retool their skills with an associates degree in industrial equipment (maintainence and operation of). The introduction class hit all 13 chapters of James' book (basic priciples of hydraulics and pneumatics, pumps, controls, motors, ancillary components, etc.). There are only two classes on hydraulics and pneumatics in the studies for the associate degree. With only one 15 week course left with this subject, what would you recommend to teach them that would make them more marketable in today's industries?
That is the question I have been struggling with over the last month. There is more to H&P than what two classes teach, and I want to make sure I am giving them the right tools, not just the tools in my narrow focused industry.