Mulligan, B., Reid, S. "Addressing Engineering Teaching Issues in Online Distance Learning", ICEE-2011 Conference, Belfast, August 21-26, 2011

1. Addressing Engineering Teaching
Issues in Online Distance
Learning
Stephen Reid
3 October 2012

2. Overview
• Evolution of online programmes delivered by IT Sligo.
• Current model for online programmes.
• KITE Project – providing Practical Labs
• Communication technology narrowing the gap between face-to-face
and online.

3. Initial Design
Asynchronous discussion based learning. “Wrap-around” approach
Mason (1998)
Attend for Self
Practical Study
Learning
“Wrap-
Activities
around”
Existing
VLE
Resources

4. Success of Initial Design
Dependent on topic
Successful
Management
B.Sc in
Quality
Management
Wholly Less than
Mathematical Technology
Inadequate Successful

5. Modification to Initial Design
Synchronous online classes
• Delivered each week
• Students can ask questions
• Recorded

6. Emergent Learning Model
Handouts
Textbooks Websites
Resources
Live Classes Video
Learning Lecturer
Activities
Feedback Support
Fellow Learners

7. Success and Growth
Criteria to measure pedagogical success
• Learning outcomes.
• Student satisfaction
Medium – not a barrier to learning.
500
Growth 450
• 17 Accredited Programmes 400
350
• Fee income - €2m 2009 300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

8. Practical Labs – A limit to growth?
Following factors limit growth;
• Attendance requirement for practical labs.
• Staffing and Laboratory capacity
Knowledge and Innovation Transfer in Engineering (KITE) Project
• EU Funded, cross-border project.
• Delivering Labs … Online

9. CIM Lab – IT Sligo

10. KITE – Remote access to Labs
On-demand access 24/7
Give students remote access to software and hardware on campus.
“Remote Access”
“Software” - - IT Sligo
“Training Rig” IT Sligo “On-line student” - Anywhere

11. KITE – Live practical classes …Online
Live Class
Students remotely access PCs in IT Sligo Lab from home. During
the live class the instructor can:
• Monitor student progress.
• Offer guidance through 2-
way audio (VoIP).
• Take control of “student” PC
to demonstrate
solutions, when required.

12. Benefits and Success of Remote Labs
Benefits
• Timing of practical labs and theory classes
• No requirement to purchase, install software
• 24/7 access
• All software versions similar.
• Potential to reduce travel.
Success
• No significant difference in results compared to face-to- face.
• 80% would recommend online CAD training.

13. Conclusion
IT Sligo Online learning Model
• Financially viable
• High student satisfaction and learning outcomes
• Faster progress using traditional teaching techniques

14. Acknowledgements
Thanks to:
• Brian Mulligan – IT Sligo.
• INTERREG IVA programme, SEUPB and KITE
Project Partners
• KITE Team
• Lecturing and Technical staff at IT Sligo
• Frank Carter, Head of School of Engineering

15. Thank you!