Is the Future of Engineering Education Online?

Great stuff!

I watched two of the calculus related videos (first two in the series, on limits). In general, they did the job, but there were some technical issues. I wouldn't like to see them converted to a "professional" video--I think the folksy approach is very good, but:

• the sound level was uneven--when set to a comfortable volume for the loudest parts, there were other parts I couldn't hear
• he may have done better later, but the "white" color used for drawing was very hard to see, and would have required turning up the brightness beyond the level I use for everything else
• he could do with some drawing helps--maybe (for this video) some pre-drawn graphic grids to help keep lines (and alignment) a little better--I don't suggest it be perfect, just a little better--maybe he could/should draw on a graphics grid tablet with an electronic pen (I'm not sure what he was drawing on / with--I got the impression it was a mouse, especially based on the jitteriness (a word?) of the cursor at times)

I don't mean to sound as critical as I seemingly do--it's a great idea (I've had the same idea at times, but never followed through). I've written to my sister (a 7th grade (US) public school teacher, to see if she's seen these or can make use of them.

I agree, I would like to be able to continue my engineering education on-line but am having a hard time finding something that will work. Supporting a family and going to a typical school is hard. I took quite a few on-line classes through the school where I got my degree and loved them. I think taking on-line classes shows that a person has a lot of personal drive and discipline. On-line classes are not for everyone, because it takes a lot of discipline to stay focused and successfully complete them.

Having almost 20 years of manufacturing experience along with my degree has actual put me at more of an advantage than younger individuals just out of college with their 4 year degree. A lot of them don't understand the manufacturing world as given to them in a textbook. Hands-on experience is priceless.

I would be interested in any information someone would have out there for continuing my education in engineering on-line. Thanks.

What a teriffic link, thank you. I watched a couple of quick ones to sample the content.

As a sole method of education I'm sure it would be incomplete and leaqve unanswered questions but as a supliment to the regular classroom fare these are great.

Now who is putting together the engineering set of videos for me?

like this?

This thread would miss out if MIT's open courseware (ocw.mit.edu) project wasn't mentioned. I've watched this site develop over the last ten years and found it a great starting point for more advanced topics.

I see education in general, not just engineering, moving towards 'the cloud' but I have a hard time seeing lab based activities making the jump. Those would remain in the classroom. Maybe we'll see a split in education where theory is taught online but hands-on learning is taught in a smaller, more specialized classroom.

The "cloud" was attacked and crashed earlier this week - I wouldn't put a lot of faith in that 'net future'.

Re: The "cloud" was attacked and crashed earlier this week - I wouldn't put a lot of faith in that 'net future'.

To what are you referring?

It is acceptable to teach engineering technology on-line. However, hands-on training is required as part of the curriculum. One cannot expect all actual hands on training to occur after graduation. Employers will demand it. Invite industry representatives in to participate in seminar presentations either on-line or face to face.

I agree. As I stated in my previous post, the last 8 weeks were spent at an actual lab to conduct exercises related to mechanical engineering. While 8 weeks is not a great deal of time, I did learn volumes of information that I have used while employed in the working world. I'm not sure what the right balance is but I am sure there is one.