New task force formed on e-learning in engineering

Angela Boronyak, PhD, assistant professor-educator for the College of Engineering of Applied Science, recently joined a new eLearning task force for CEAS, along with Pat Fortney, Prashant Khare, Shomir Wilson, and Aimee Frame. Eugene Rutz, the Academic Director from CEAS, is leading the task force. Their mission is to investigate ways to integrate technology into CEAS courses.

Integrated appropriately, technology can take education to the next level. When the application is less than strategic, it can be a major hindrance to learning. The task force carefully considers the impact of proposed technology-related curriculum changes to make sure students are not negatively impacted. “We want to make these options available to students, but we also want to ensure it is to their benefit,” said Boronyak, who is also undergraduate program director for the department of biomedical engineering.

Boronyak is investigating a variety of e-learning options for the college; she suggests a tailored approach where different types of technology are implemented based on the course’s structure and goals. The team strongly considers the time and resources available to invest in the transition.

Uses of technology in CEAS courses could range from the supplementary use of smart phones in a traditional lecture to providing courses with online elements. It will not be feasible for some courses to be entirely online (especially those that include a lab component) but Boronyak is confident that technology can enhance learning across the college, even if certain portions of the class remain in traditional formats.

Featured image at top: Photo/UC Creative Services.