How to maximize laboratory experience of engineering technology programs using electronic media

The embedded laboratory experience associated with engineering technology curricula is an added benefit to the engineering technology students and their preparation to immediately make an economic contribution upon employment after graduation. However, in the era of web enabled education, a challenge is posed by the need to replicate live laboratory experiences using electronic media processes. The Microelectronics program at Arizona State University East is sincerely attempting to deliver the laboratory courses through distance learning to accommodate compressed work schedule of students and to reach the students who must be at remote sites. The purpose of the paper is to survey the existing distance education formats that are currently in use to deliver laboratory courses and also cover the work-in-progress at ASU East. This paper will categorize and discuss various formats that are being used or tested in engineering technology programs nation wide. Goal one is to collect and present information that will help the reader to draw conclusions about the urgency of creating electronic laboratory workbooks that support comparable experiences for students, whether they are participating through distance learning or in live laboratories. Goal two is to provide and discuss the methods and best practices that are currently in use.