Online Engineering Education: Laboratories During the Pandemic – A Case Study

Abstract

Engineering laboratories plays a key role in the engineering education curricula. Virtual or remote laboratory concept already existed in several institutions that provide a well-designed platform for students to access labs remotely with similar experience to physical labs. However, this type of labs, remote lab, has limitations in term of engineering hands on experience and essential social skills students need for their future engineering practice. As educational institutions forced to switch from traditional face-to-face to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no option but to utilize the online laboratory resources and platforms available. Fully remote or blended solutions were provided for students to assure meeting the specific learning outcomes of engineering courses. This paper will focus on highlighting a specific case study during the pandemic when switching from the traditional face-to-face learning for an engineering lab course to fully online.