Integrating Online Learning to Junior-Level Electromechanical Design

The following paper reports on the results of efforts at integrating online learning to the current Junior-level Electromechanical Design course at Wentworth Institute of Technology.This is an intense course where in one semester students are expected to complete an original design and a prototype.Project and time management are critical.Groups are typically from 3 to 5. Much of the work involves testing and prototype development in the labs and therefore requires the students' presence on campus.On the other hand, a substantial amount of work does not require actual physical meetings.This includes reports writing (proposal, 2 progress reports, weekly memos, and a final report), sharing research work and other communication.The author has been teaching this course for the last 4 years.End-of-semester assessment from carefully designed surveys consistently indicated student difficulties managing their time.This is partly due to demanding coursework, and work outside.Typically, students try to use the week of Spring Break to "catch up."However, many of them are then off campus.As a possible improvement, the author with the help of DTS (Division of Technology Services), has introduced the formation of virtual online groups whereby each group shares editing capability and the possibility of videoconferencing.This is especially helpful, during Spring Break, and for commuting group members.It permits the efficient completion of report writing, It was expected that this will lead to improved time management and efficiency, while making it easier for groups to manage and complete their projects.Assessment is based on a carefully designed anonymous survey of the students, and quantification of improvements in student performance.Results so far are encouraging.The above approach is a good example of a hybrid approach to online project-based education.