Converting Face-to-Face Classes to Web-Based On-Line College Classes

摘要

Due to the increasing interest in web-based college courses, some engineering and engineering technology departments are exploring the idea of converting traditional face-to-face college classes into on-line courses. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato MN, has put most of our Industrial Engineering-based senior-level courses on-line via the web over the past few years, converting these classes from traditional face-to-face campus lectures and laboratories. We have learned quite a bit in the process. Web-based, on-line classes provide advantages for students who are remote or have schedule problems, but there are a number of factors and costs, often hidden, which also must be considered when converting traditional classes to on-line classes. This paper will present case-study examples of class conversions of two Industrial Engineering-based classes (Logistics, and Industrial Safety) which are taught as part of the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. We will discuss preliminary evaluations of results, and will present a few of the advantages, costs, and problems involved with teaching these on-line courses. We will also discuss the experiences of a newly-hired faculty member who is teaching an already-converted on-line Industrial Engineering-based class for the first time. This paper will be valuable for programs considering developing on-line classes, especially in the areas of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing.