Identifying Alternate Resources and Adjusting Expectations for Senior Design Projects During the COVID-19 Pandemic of
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881 USA.
Biomedical Engineering Education
|February 11, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic forced capstone design courses online, impacting student prototype development. Instructors adapted by identifying barriers, finding alternative resources, and adjusting expectations to ensure project completion in virtual settings.
Area of Science:
- Engineering Education
- Online Learning
- Project-Based Learning
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to online learning for higher education.
- Capstone design courses typically involve hands-on prototyping and in-person collaboration, posing unique challenges in a virtual environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the challenges faced by capstone design students and instructors during the transition to online learning.
- To identify strategies for adapting project requirements and resource access for virtual prototyping.
- To evaluate the outcomes of student projects completed under remote conditions.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative approach was used to identify barriers to project completion.
- Efforts were made to find alternative prototyping resources accessible remotely.
- Adjustments to team expectations and course deliverables were documented.
Main Results:
- Key barriers included limited access to physical resources and the need for virtual collaboration tools.
- Successful adaptation involved creative use of available materials and digital prototyping methods.
- Student projects were completed with modifications, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
Conclusions:
- The experience highlighted the importance of flexibility and resourcefulness in engineering education.
- Strategies developed for online capstone projects can inform future remote or hybrid learning models.
- The study provides insights into maintaining project quality and student engagement in challenging circumstances.
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