The Use Of Elluminate Distance Learning Software In Engineering Education
- Conference
- Location
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Honolulu, Hawaii
- Publication Date
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June 24, 2007
- Start Date
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June 24, 2007
- End Date
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June 27, 2007
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Electrical and Computer
- Page Count
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9
- Page Numbers
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12.1482.1 - 12.1482.9
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--1662
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/1662
- Download Count
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470
Paper Authors
John Crofton Murray State University
Dr. Crofton earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Physics and his B.E.E. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University. Before coming to Murray State University in 1994, Dr. Crofton was a Senior Engineer at the Westinghouse Science and Technology Center in Pittsburgh. Dr. Croftos research work has focused on ohmic and Schottky contacts to compound semiconductors such as SiC and GaN. Additionally, Dr. Crofton is interested in applications of solid state UV sources for water purification.
James Rogers Murray State University
Jamie Rogers is an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering and Physics at Murray State University. He is also director of the West Kentucky Regional Moonbuggy Competition. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2002. His engineering education research includes the use of emerging technology to enhance instruction, K-12 outreach, and engineering activities for freshman.
Caitlin Pugh University of Kentucky
Caitlin Pugh is a junior mechanical engineering student at the University of Kentucky - Paducah Extended Campus. she is a traditional student whose primary focus is on school.
Kenny Evans University of Kentucky
Kenny Evans is a junior mechanical engineering student at the University of Kentucky - Paducah Extended Campus. Kenny would be considered a non-traditional student as he has retured to school after several years in industry. He also works full time.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
The Use of Elluminate LIVE!® Distance Learning Software in Engineering Education
Abstract
More and more, people working or wanting to work in engineering and other technical fields who reside in geographically distant locations from a traditional university are demanding that Colleges of Engineering meet their needs through the establishment of remote campuses and through other distance learning alternatives to a traditional engineering education. In meeting this challenge, a variety of delivery methods have been employed including synchronous and asynchronous online delivery in both fully online and hybrid (online and face-to-face) course structures.
This paper describes the details of delivering a hybrid course using a tablet PC with Elluminate LIVE!® (Elluminate), which is a synchronous, online virtual classroom tool. Classes in mechanical and electrical engineering were offered using a hybrid method of instruction where approximately 50% of lectures are face-to-face and 50% are online. Elluminate was also used to supplement lecture material through online help sessions and exam reviews. For both face-to- face and online lectures, all notes were archived for continual student access.
Specifics on the technology required for both delivery and reception of the lectures is given along with the strategies employed to ensure optimal interaction between the instructor and students. The views of the two faculty who taught the aforementioned courses show that using a web-based, real-time virtual classroom software is an effective and efficient method of instruction but does have some disadvantages including feeling disconnected from the students during online lectures. Lessons learned include the ineffectiveness of trying to apply traditional approaches of lecture in online delivery.
Views from two students, a non-traditional student who attended lectures primarily from work or home and a traditional student who attended lectures on campus, include mixed reviews on web- based lectures. However, both felt that Elluminate was effective in delivering material but the traditional student preferred face-to-face interaction which was an expected outcome. Challenges of the online approach discussed by the students include difficulty in concentrating and limited interaction during online lectures. The students also suggest that as a supplement to lecture, Elluminate is an extremely effective resource.
Introduction
The need for an increase in the number of engineers in the U.S. has prompted colleges and universities to establish non-traditional Colleges of Engineering in an attempt to make engineering education opportunities available to students that may not otherwise consider a career in engineering. One such program is the University of Kentucky-Paducah Extended Campus Engineering Program that is located in Paducah, Kentucky on the campus of a regional community college. This is a joint engineering program between the University of Kentucky and Murray State University with approximately one-third of the faculty residing in Murray,
Crofton, J., & Rogers, J., & Pugh, C., & Evans, K. (2007, June), The Use Of Elluminate Distance Learning Software In Engineering Education Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--1662
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