Making online engineering education a reality
Indiana Tech has been long known as a leading provider of online education. Now, the university is using its expertise to become a leader in delivering innovative, hands-on engineering education in the online environment. Quite simply, Indiana Tech is creating learning opportunities once thought impossible for this discipline.
“Making sure that our online engineering offerings are every bit as rigorous, interactive and impactful as the traditional classroom experience is a priority for our university, and we are getting very good at it,” said Director of Online Engineering and Computer Science Programs Dr. David Rumsey.
Dr. Rumsey leads that effort by translating complex engineering concepts into effective online learning modules and interactive experiences. His team includes Dr. Zakariya Al-Hamouz, professor of electrical engineering, and Dr. Said Abushamleh, associate professor of electrical engineering, who have been instrumental in designing courses for this environment.
In September, the team’s work was validated when Indiana Tech’s Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology was accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET. It is the first online A.S. degree in electrical engineering technology to be recognized by this highly regarded accreditation organization.
What sets Dr. Rumsey’s approach to online EET programming apart is the implementation of an electronics lab kit which is sent to each student’s home so they can master engineering concepts in a hands-on fashion. Online students also learn by virtual labs and simulations presented in a digital environment. They are supported by Tech Live sessions; weekly online opportunities hosted by the professor to answer questions, elaborate on course material and build community within the class.
“By combining at-home lab kits, virtual simulations and live faculty engagement, we’re creating opportunities for students to apply complex concepts in ways that are practical, innovative and accessible,” Dr. Rumsey said. “ABET accreditation underscores that our approach not only meets the highest academic standards, but it also equips learners with the real-world skills they need to thrive in engineering careers.”
Also impactful in the way Indiana Tech approaches online engineering education is the work of Tammy Barker, assistant dean of online learning. Barker makes sure all of the classes are staffed with either full-time engineering faculty or adjuncts who possess real-world industry experience. She also does a lot of behind-the-scenes work to improve the quality of our courses.
“Tammy is instrumental in working with our adjuncts and monitoring daily operations of the online programs. She helps new adjuncts get ready to teach their courses, and she is there for anyone who has a question about their course,” Dr. Rumsey said.
An EET degree benefits those who develop and maintain electrical and electronic systems and can create diverse career paths in areas like manufacturing, telecommunications and power distribution.
Also in the online environment, Indiana Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (with concentrations in computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering), an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology and 10 certificate programs, many of which were created to fulfill immediate industry needs.
“Sometimes a person just needs a little bit of education to add skills that are going to lead to a promotion or increase their earning potential,” Dr. Rumsey said. “For instance, our certificates in Programmable Logic Controllers and Additive Manufacturing were created because that’s what industry wants and is demanding from us. As a result, students are taking advantage, they’re upskilling. That benefits their families and strengthens their employers at the same time.”
Dr. Rumsey is working to introduce mechatronics and robotics engineering to the university’s online environment, as well as achieve ABET accreditation for all of Indiana Tech’s remaining online engineering programs.
A versatile member of the Talwar College since 2011, Dr. Rumsey continues to teach mathematics and electrical engineering at the university. Like teaching, this new role is proving mighty inspirational to him, as well.
“I love teaching because I want to impact the futures of our students and help them obtain skills and reach their educational and career goals,” Dr. Rumsey said. “Being in this position allows me to have a broader impact on more students.”