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Session 1347

The Administration of Senior Design Projects In a Distance Learning Environment Isaac L. Flory IV, John R. Hackworth Old Dominion University

I. Abstract

A method for administering a senior level capstone design course in Electrical Engineering Technology in a distance learning environment is described. Several avenues are explored that help the students successfully conceive, develop, and present their design projects from off- campus locations that are consistent with the requirements placed upon their on-campus peers. Several problems that are unique to offering a senior project course in a distance learning environment are explored and solutions are described.

II. Introduction

The senior design project, which has become a popular addition to many engineering and engineering technology programs, provides a number of challenges for both the student and faculty supervisor. These challenges include selecting an appropriate project by the student, creating and meeting a schedule agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervisor, and developing a suitable presentation of the completed project. Further complicating the process is the administration and execution of the senior project in a distance learning environment.

A senior design project requirement was introduced to the Engineering Technology curriculum at Old Dominion University in 1998. Since the Old Dominion University Engineering Technology program is heavily involved in distance learning, this presented the challenge of also administering the course in a distance learning environment. After several years of evolution, the following outline is presented for a semester-long senior design course with justifications for each step where appropriate. As is the case with all distance learning courses, the paramount issue is to not provide a discernable advantage to students that are in residence.

III. Course Requirements

Project Proposal

The first step is the project concept and its approval. Requirements of the project include a degree of complexity that warrants three hours of academic credit. This is very much a judgment call made by the academic supervisor since many distance learning students and nearly all on- campus students have had little or no experience in developing their own project in this program

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Hackworth, J., & Flory, I. (2005, June), The Administration Of Senior Design Projects In A Distance Learning Environment Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15174