Boost Their Game: Virtual internships can provide real-world design experiences that enhance student learning

摘要

Design projects in first-year engineering curricula give students early exposure to professional engineering and the engineering design process, but the pedagogical, logistical, and financial challenges can be daunting. To engage first-year students in authentic engineering practice, provide a platform for effective learning, and enroll a large group of students at low cost, we developed a virtual internship, Nephrotex, in which teams are guided by experienced mentors through multiple design-build-test cycles in a simulated professional environment.