A three-year collaborative effort initiated by three institutionshas resulted in a new paradigm for distance learning in rapidly evolvingtechnology areas, such as electronics packaging. From the start, theteam emphasized the use of multi-media technology for creating anddisseminating internet delivered, re-configurable, shared modulareducational materials. These modules could be used in a stand-alonefashion for re-training, or embedded in existing courses in variouscurricula. Using these modules, the first offering of a one semestergraduate course on thermal design of electronic systems was made duringSpring 1999. This included participants not only from the three originaluniversities, but also from the industry and other universities. Thiscourse was taught once a week for three hours, live over the internet.In addition, course materials asynchronously available on the webincluded Power Point slides of the notes, streaming video, computationalcodes and virtual laboratory tours. During the second offering of thiscourse during Spring 2000, a number of additional features have beenimplemented, including expanded participation and greater collaboration.This paper will concentrate on the lessons learned from teaching thesecond generation of this course. Ongoing efforts involving modulestandardization will also be described
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