Synchronous Distance Education in a Mechanical Engineering Technology Course

Instruction using the internet is not new and is being used more and more frequently.Some types of classes lend themselves very well to this mode of delivery; technical courses are more of a challenge.The need to use graphics and equations in the instruction and assessment increase the challenges of this type of instruction.Methods of delivery must be modified from face-to-face delivery, along with the methods of assessment.There are many facets to the education of an engineer or engineering technician.Some of the objectives of the engineer's and engineering technician's education involve the following: Development of problem solving skills Understanding of the theory of physical science. Application of physical science theory through the solution of homework problems. Application of physical science theory through laboratory experiments. Application of physical science theory through the design of devices, processes, and systems. Communication of the results of the above through sketches, equations, numerical solutions, drawings, written reports, and oral reports. Solution of problems through teamwork. Management of time and other resourcesThe pedagogy of engineering and technology has been developed over the years through "stand and deliver" methods to meet the objectives above.Overhead projectors, written and copied material, chalkboards and whiteboards for sketches and equations, hand written assignments and tests, and physical laboratory experiments, etc. are all easy to use to accomplish the objectives for educating the engineer or technician.With online training, however, different methods must be used to accomplish the educational objectives; some of which have not even been imagined.In this paper, online instruction for technology and engineering courses will be examined.In particular, the experiences of teaching a first synchronous distance education course will be delivered, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.Some good and bad practices will be given, along with techniques for working example problems, and grading of homework. Background:In the Purdue University College of Technology, there are different opportunities for students to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology: one of those is at the West Lafayette Campus; another is by attending one of the various Statewide Technology (SWT) Sites.One of those SWT sites is on the Ball State University campus in Muncie, Indiana.Here a student may earn an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.Class sizes are small compared to West Lafayette and sometimes too small for a class to be offered.Consequently, a student may have to wait to take a needed course.In the spring of 2007 this was the case for two SWT sites.The enrollment for this course was below the minimum at