Work in progress: Distance teaching of Thermodynamics with Adobe Connect and dedicated engineering software

Abstract

A considerable number of schools nationwide are currently offering undergraduate engineering and engineering technology programs via distance-learning. Unlike other "narrative" academic programs, however, engineering programs still present pedagogical challenges in distance education especially in subjects that require mathematical derivation, sample problem-solution, property evaluation and laboratory practice. Several technologies are currently available for distance education, such as: TV broadcasting, web-based instruction, video-streaming, videoconferencing, etc. Nevertheless, distance teaching of subjects such as, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and other recognizable subjects in the field of Mechanical Engineering and Technology proves to be a didactically-involved and effortful task. An innovative and simple teaching method to impart synchronous instruction in Thermodynamics to local and distance students has been implemented by the author, and it is discussed in this paper. The method combines the use of the internet via Adobe Connect and dedicated software to evaluate properties in Thermodynamics and solve illustrative problems. The method is simple and allows the instructor to quickly solve illustration problems during the lecture in spite of mathematical complications that may be involved. Specific examples of the technique are discussed, and the requirements to implement the method are disclosed. It is shown that such technique allows the instructor to be totally mobile, and deliver his/her lectures and illustrative problems in Thermodynamics live from any classroom or lab in the U.S. provided that an internet connection is available. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.