Perspectives and Possibilities for Online Engineering Education at Christian Institutions

About Perspectives and Possibilities for Online Engineering Education at Christian Institutions

Abstract

Digital technologies are rapidly disrupting areas of entertainment, commerce, and transportation, among others. Perhaps the biggest change occurring in the field of education is the growth of computer based and online education. However, engineering education, with complex math concepts and the need for laboratory experiences has adopted these technologies more slowly. Among Christian engineering faculty, there is the additional question of how students can be assisted spiritually over an internet line. Meanwhile the benefits of online learning are promising. In a time of great questioning on the value of a college education, online education offers the potential for cost reductions, broader access, and greater flexibility for a larger variety of students. Furthermore, the possibilities of individualized focus and pacing may offer improved learning outcomes over traditional classroom settings. It could be argued as well that with the trend toward globalization, students need to be prepared for more online teamwork and training. While much has been published on the benefits and disadvantages of online education, this paper and accompanying survey describe how engineering faculty in America’s Christian colleges view online engineering education. A survey was done of 335 faculty of 30 universities and colleges that offer engineering degrees and openly claim a position of Christian faith, with approximately 52% of faculty responding. Results of the survey show that faculty believe the main advantages of online engineeringneducation are improved accessibility and lower costs for students. They largely agree the biggest disadvantage is the difficulty of providing “hands-on” experiences and labs. 72% of respondents haven’t taught an online course, and 37% are not interested in teaching an online course. Regarding outlook, 59% mildly or strongly believe online engineering programs will expand, and 90% believe there is economic opportunity in developing more online engineering options. 86% of respondents agree that there is opportunity to collaborate with other Christian colleges on co-developing online engineering options. A multitude of concerns with online education were cited, such as student engagement and motivation, learning outcomes, cheating, spiritual formation, character development, increased teaching load, quality assurance, how to teach teamwork, teaching “hands-on” and troubleshooting, personal relationship and mentoring of students, financial arrangements. Finally, phone interviews or additional surveys were conducted with leaders of the larger Christian engineering programs to ascertain interest in more online education and collaboration. The views ranged from low interest in online engineering education at Cedarville and Calvin, to high interest at California Baptist and Baylor, with development of entire online engineering degrees in progress at Liberty University.