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Session 2248

EET Laboratory Courses: From the Classroom to the Web--From Research to Practice Thomas M. Hall, Jr. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Abstract

In the rush to offer courses, programs, or degrees on-line, there have been many approaches to solving the problem of including laboratory work in engineering technology programs. One approach to developing (or adapting) electronics engineering technology laboratory courses for delivery on the World Wide Web is presented in this paper. Research demonstrating the feasibility of using simulation software for the conduct of electronics lab courses on line is given as background information and used as a backdrop for the on-line laboratory pedagogy. Subsequently, the development of laboratory courses in DC circuits and AC circuits is discussed. Course content, course pedagogy, and course management are included. Successes and weaknesses from our initial attempts and information gleaned from continuing research are presented. Finally, there are suggestions for others who are developing, or contemplating, on- line EET laboratory courses.

I. Introduction

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is taking steps to increase access to education by using several technologically oriented methods in distance education. At the same time, the university has been improving its ties with area industry through partnerships. In part, these efforts have been motivated by a desire to expand the university’s ability to offer courses to industry, its employees, and to other people who are not free to attend class during traditional classroom periods. While there are many examples of lecture and discussion-group classes on line, one hallmark of an electronics engineering technology program is that laboratory classes accompany most lecture courses. Though most of our lecture classes can be delivered at a distance, it is not possible to duplicate the hands-on experience of an electronics laboratory over the Internet. Even so, an on-line electronics engineering technology program must include concurrent laboratory instruction. In fact, the current criterion-based standards for accrediting engineering technology programs specify that theory courses "should be accompanied by coordinated laboratory experiences…." While Engineering Technology Criteria 2000 (ET2K) are less prescriptive, they still require laboratory course work. 1

Through our EET industrial advisory committee and other contacts, we have begun receiving requests to offer electronics courses on-line. In the past 18 months, these requests have escalated, and now there is great interest in having an associate degree in EET available on the

“Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Hall, T. (2002, June), Eet Lab Courses: From The Classroom To The Web From Research To Practice Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11249