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Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic On Engineering Education: Evaluation of Limitations and Recommendations For Effective Teaching

Numerous aspects of our lives were disrupted due to COVID-19, including traditional in-person education systems. The primary objective of engineering education is to prepare students to solve real-world problems, and the interaction with teachers in lecture theaters and labs is a vital aspect of learning in a face-to-face environment. Learning is further reinforced by campus-focused activities and direct interaction with peers in classrooms, labs, cafeterias, and related extracurricular activities such as clubs, conferences, and competitions. However, the education system has to implement innovative approaches to meet the challenges that COVID-19 has brought upon traditional learning. The change of instructional methodology has compelled instructors to adjust many active-learning and team-based activities and limit the hands-on lab experiences and experimental work. Learning opportunities have also been affected to differing degrees involving in-person interaction among teachers, students, and peers alike.  

 To replicate the professionalism seen in brick-and-mortar classrooms and student centers, educators and activity sponsors must arm themselves with technology tools that will reduce students' stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness in today's new norm of teaching, learning, and socializing.  Many of these technology tools are already embedded within a college's learning management system (LMS). COVID-19 has forced these applications to come to the forefront of education.

This paper will discuss the transition from in-person to online and hybrid classes and the impact on student learning, engagement, and behavior. The paper will also systematically review the online format's limitations regarding knowledge, hands-on skills, professionalism, and students' career readiness. Moreover, the paper presents factors that can influence the effect of online learning on students' academic performance, learning outcomes, assessment methodologies and look at innovative approaches to effective online teaching and learning.