Workshop on Unified Curriculum and Course Design for Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering

Gregory C. Lewin, Rui Li, Carlotta A. Berry, James A. Mynderse, Vikram Kapila, Michael A. Gennert

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

With the increasing demand for cross-disciplinary technical and professional skill sets in the engineering workforce, Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering (MRE) is quickly emerging as its own engineering discipline. However, developing and implementing MRE courses and curricula is challenging for many potential MRE educators because there are no standardized course structures, curricula, hardware and software platforms, or course materials. To address these challenges, a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team conducted several workshops starting in 2018 to provide support for curriculum development in MRE and to create a vibrant community of college instructors interested in MRE. Ranging from a half-day to two days, the workshops provided guidance and perspectives from leaders in MRE education. Based on participant feedback from these workshops and our goal for greater impact, we planned and delivered a more intensive three-day, virtual, yet hands-on workshop in the Spring of 2022. The objectives of the workshop were to: 1) prepare current and future MRE educators to create and teach courses, 2) familiarize MRE educators with advances in undergraduate MRE education, 3) help unify and standardize MRE curricula and courses, 4) pave the way toward accreditation for MRE degree programs, 5) generate enthusiasm and a sense of community among MRE educators, and 6) promote diversity and inclusion within the MRE community. Notably, this workshop differed from previous ones by embedding a significant hands-on experiential learning component, which provided sample laboratory assignments and projects that could form the foundations of introductory and advanced courses in MRE. Remote assistance was provided by workshop leaders and student assistants. Participants actively engaged in many activities, including doing “homework” every evening. A post-workshop survey revealed that participants overwhelmingly felt that the workshop met their expectations and that they were better prepared to teach mechatronics. Participants also noted that they felt better connected to the MRE community. Finally, participants suggested areas for future training and skill development, which could be incorporated into the development of future workshops.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings
StatePublished - Jun 25 2023
Event2023 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition - The Harbor of Engineering: Education for 130 Years, ASEE 2023 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2023Jun 28 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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