The document discusses the transition to online education at UW-Madison. It argues that online learning should transform engineering education rather than just transmit existing classroom content online. It provides examples of UW-Madison's successful online master's programs and argues online education can improve learning when designed around student needs through active and collaborative projects. The document urges envisioning online learning as an opportunity to create new learning environments rather than replicate traditional lectures. It offers advice on integrating practice, avoiding burnout, and developing a compelling long-term vision to guide program development.
4. Context: Online Graduate Engineering
Degree Programs at UW‐Madison
Current Degree Programs
M.S. Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)
M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Controls)
M.Eng. Engineering Management
M.Eng. Engine Systems
M.Eng. Sustainable Systems Engineering
M Eng. Technical Japanese
M.Eng. Polymer Science and Engineering
Under Development
M.Eng. Environmental Engineering
M.Eng. Applied Computing & Engineering Data Analytics
Students are mid‐career engineers
Emphasis on project‐ and problem‐based learning
Strategic goal is developing best‐in‐class graduate programs that enhance
on‐campus centers of strength in engineering research and education
13. M.Eng. Engine Systems:
Accelerated Learning
Engine Design
Project
Management
Fluid Dynamics
Combustion
Thermo-
dynamics
Modeling
Control and
Diagnostics
Trend Analysis
10-15 Years Experience in
Engine Development
3.5-Year
MEES Program
16. Curriculum that Fits their Needs and Goals
Responsive Faculty
Culture that Fosters Valued, Supportive Community
Assignments that are Authentic and Meaningful
Elimination of Unnecessary Frustrations and
Hurdles
Clear Instructions
Reliable Technology and Support
Removal/Mediation of Institutional BS
Right Mix of Structure, Consistency, and Flexibility
Knowing Their Feedback Matters
Defining Quality:
What Matters to Students?
28. Build culture that values, affirms and is committed to quality
People pay attention to what gets measured
Need to be able to have the difficult discussions
Evaluation needs to be safe, supportive, team‐based
Sometimes you have to change who’s on the bus
The value in evaluations lies in what you do with what you
learn
Enable linkages between the right nerves and the right
muscles
Find ways to model and affirm what you expect from others
Principles of Building Quality