Teaching First-year Engineering in an Online Learning Environment

Abstract

Teaching models in face-to-face classes have evolved over time with goals to maximize student learning and use techniques such as problem and project based, experiential, active and discovery learning to name a few. Mastery of these techniques requires an instructor to be knowledgeable and proficient with different media (e.g. whiteboard, projector, demonstration equipment, feedback tools, communication tools, and learning management systems) while teaching and assessing students. In addition, instructors must also be experts in their own disciplines. When using different types of delivery methods (face-to-face, blended, or fully online) it is important to ensure that alternatives exist in all methods to accommodate and enhance learning. The recent Pandemic has caused a rapid transition to online teaching without time to adjust teaching methodologies. This paper compares the use of face-to-face and online teaching methodologies in some first-year engineering classes. Conclusions are then made on opportunities to improve teaching and learning in an online environment. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2021

Keywords

Author Keywords

Not provided

Index Keywords

E-learning Teaching Engineering education Education computing Students Computer aided instruction Online learning environment Problem- and project-based learning Student learning Teaching methodologies experiential learning Teaching model Face class Face to face Online teaching First-year engineering

Author Affiliations

MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Funding & Acknowledgements

MacEwan University

Support from the Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund from Grant MacEwan University is gratefully acknowledged.

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Teaching First-year Engineering in an Online Learning Environment

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