Can mouse and keyboard chase out chalk and blackboard in engineering education?

Abstract

The face-to-face method of instruction has dominated the teaching arena from time immemorial. However the rapid advances in information, computer and communication technology is rapidly changing the mode of knowledge transfer from teacher to learner. Remote classrooms and the virtual environment has seen the distribution of learning in time and space. However, there are challenges that must be faced in order for this mode of teaching to permeate all corners of knowledge transfer. There has been some resistance to adopting virtual classroom in practical-intensive, equation-laden courses. This paper discusses strategies that may be employed to surmount the hurdles. It shows that developing a digital learning suite is a prerequisite to successful floating of laboratory and/or equation intensive courses. The digital learning suite is a prerequisite to floating engineering courses in a virtual learning platform where the chalk and blackboard has been replaced by mouse and keyboard.