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Session 1149

Student Perceptions on the Use of Interactive Video Conferencing in Biomedical Engineering Technology Education

Albert Lozano-Nieto, Ph.D. Penn State University, Commonwealth College, SETCE Wilkes-Barre Campus P.O. Box PSU Lehman, PA 18627 Phone: (717) 675-9245 FAX: (717) 675-7713 email: AXL17@psu.edu

ABSTRACT

To increase the breadth of exposure of students pursuing an Associates Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology at the Penn State University, Wilkes-Campus, they were exposed to a series of Guest Lectures Program delivered via Interactive Video Conference (PicTel™). The lectures originated at the New Kenginston Campus of the Penn State University. This paper evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of the use of Interactive Videoconferencing in the classroom through the student’s analysis and perceptions of such tool, especially at the remote location. The paper also identifies the characteristics of the lectures and speakers that are best perceived by the students at the remote location and consequently increase their attention on the subject. Although these conclusions have been extracted through Biomedical Engineering Technology, they are valid for any other technical subject with minor modifications.

INTRODUCTION

Education in Engineering Technology is aimed at training future professionals in the arts of maintenance, repair, acquisition and management of technical equipment. However, it is widely recognized that Technology is today undergoing major changes. The training of these future professionals needs to be reviewed and updated. The traditional educational approach consisted of theoretical lectures complemented by hands-on experiences in the laboratory. However, at the present time, students will have to compete in a career that demands not only that they be well- trained professionals, but also that they possess a broad vision of the profession (Buchal, 1997).

To provide the breadth of perspective and in-depth discussion of all the current issues that affect the profession, it is essential that students in any branch of Engineering Technology know what happens in industry. This exposure will complement the faculty points of view, experience and expertise in the field, being a dual approach to the training in a very specialized area.

However, it is not always possible to bring these professionals to the Campus grounds according to the academic needs. Problems such as schedule coordination, last-minute calls and travel costs limit the possibility of bringing these guests to the Campus. The technological advances,

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Lozano-Nieto, A. (1998, June), Student Perceptions On The Use Of Interactive Video Conferencing In Biomedical Engineering Technology Education Paper presented at 1998 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/1-2--7433