Redesigning a mechanical design course for remote, project-based learning
Creating a semester-long project for 117 remote students across the US
In MIT MechE’s Design and Manufacturing I course, sophomores typically use a full machine shop to build electromechanical robots which they demonstrate on a 16’x20’ competition gameboard at the end of the term. In Spring 2021, however, COVID-19 restrictions meant students had little to no campus access.
One faculty member, five former students, and I collaborated to redesign the course. We solicited input from other faculty and machine shop staff throughout the process.
I had the idea to film a fun promo video before the term to show students that a “remote, hands-on” course isn’t an oxymoron!
A 200-piece kit shipped to all students
We developed a kit of over 200 tools, components, and raw materials that students could use to build robots (see the video to the left for a snapshot).
I designed a small, flat-packed gameboard with nine challenges for students to test their robots.
With a $280,000 materials budget, I led the team who assembled and shipped these kits to our 117 students across the country.
The MechE Department was excited about our course redesign, so a videographer followed three students’ journeys throughout the term and interviewed the staff on our process.
20,000 pounds of kit items, assembled and shipped in two weeks!
I organized an assembly line, tracked dozens of packages going off campus, and coordinated with campus shipping to deliver kits directly to dorm rooms to accomplish this feat.
Lasting changes to the curriculum
At the end of the term, the course staff unanimously agreed this kit enabled our remote students to gain similar levels of mechanical design competence and confidence that prior students with full shop access gained.
Since then, Design and Manufacturing I has adopted several practices that I helped initiate in 2021, such as take-home tool kits and the flexibility for students to work in their dorm rooms, not just in the shop.
This successful curriculum redesign earned me MIT’s top teaching award for graduate students: the Goodwin Medal.
