Modifying “Manufacturing Processes” Laboratory for Online/Hybrid Learning Due to COVID-19

This paper aims to present innovative modifications of the contents and delivery mode of “Manufacturing Processes” laboratory for Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering students during the global pandemic due to coronavirus (COVID-19). The objective was to maintain high level of student engagement and academic rigor, while minimizing face-to-face activities in the lab and ensuring social distancing when performing lab activities. Modifications are done in the lab to replace some of the previous activities heavily focused on machining processes with additive manufacturing, as activities focusing on machining processes need more face-to-face interactions. Out of three labs and one final project, the major modifications have been done to casting lab to make it fully online and to final project to make it about 90% online. Students were allowed for face-to-face activities that are very critical to students’ learning, and all other activities were performed virtually either by synchronous or asynchronous classes. In the other two labs (bulk deformation, i.e., forging and rolling, lab and the machining lab), students were divided into groups and they took turn to take face-to-face instructions in order to maintain social distancing and safety in the lab. Students were surveyed at the end of the semester to assess their perceptions on the modifications done in the lab and level of engagement in the course, and whether learning outcomes were achieved. Students found the level of engagement appropriate and agree that they have learned new and key concepts of various manufacturing processes and will be able to apply knowledge in the real-life applications. However, the students also reported that hybrid-mode lab instruction cannot completely replace in-person lab instruction, as many of them faced challenges to keep themselves engaged and motivated in all online lab activities.