Delivering an Engineering Laboratory Course Using the Internet, the Post Office, and a Campus Visit

We present the redesign of a sophomore-level mechanics of materials engineering laboratory course for distance delivery. The distance laboratory course combined multi-media computer experiments, portable hands-on exercises, and place-bound laboratory experiments. Class communication was accomplished through e-mail, online discussion groups and telephone conversations. Preliminary assessment of this new model for providing hands-on distance education gave valuable information that supports its effectiveness.