Instrumentation engineering technology. Photo credit: Red Deer College

By Sheldon Spackman

Innovation At Its Best

COVID-19 inspires innovation in RDC engineering technology programs

Dec 14, 2020 | 5:19 PM

A ‘new normal’ created by the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired innovation from instructors at Red Deer College’s (RDC) three engineering technology programs.

Not only has RDC moved to a blended, online delivery model with theory classes taught virtually, it is using software that recreates lab activities by connecting students to computers in the labs, enabling them to access lab equipment remotely from home.

Also available to students are software simulations that facilitate virtual lab experiences, allowing them to operate machines remotely and take measurements without setting foot in a lab.

“Engineering technology instructors have marshalled their trademark ingenuity and inventiveness in finding solutions to keep Alberta engineering technology students on track to completing their education and advancing into successful careers, despite the pandemic,” say officials with ASET (Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta), in a press release.

“Engineering technology education is, in most cases, three years of instruction compressed into an intense two-year program at any of the four technology institutes and colleges in the province: NAIT; SAIT; Red Deer College; and Lethbridge College,” the statement continues. “Of ASET’s 16,000 members, hundreds are full-time students.”

Individuals aged 55 and over

Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project full report released

12h ago

UPDATE

Red Deer Polytechnic confirms student death on-campus

15h ago

retrofitting building

Carnival Cinemas applies to rezone for residential development

17h ago

Officials further point out that Red Deer College has carefully adapted to mandatory social distancing protocols instruction of its three engineering technology programs: electrical engineering technology; instrumentation engineering technology; and mechanical engineering technology.

“Classes have transitioned to a blended online delivery model. Theory classes are taught virtually and a limited number of in-person labs are offered on campus.”

In the interest of safety and depending on the course, it’s noted that some classes with lab components were moved from the fall term to the winter term, and theory classes with no labs were moved from winter to fall.

Labs were reconfigured to meet COVID-19 occupancy and safety requirements, including wearing of face masks, sanitizing equipment before and after use, and provision of hand sanitizer stations.

“Our engineering technology programs involve many practical, experiential learning activities,” adds Dale Gust, associate dean, school of trades and technologies, Red Deer College. “We’ve stepped up to meet the challenge of finding ways to continue to provide meaningful, quality and engaging educational experiences for our learners during these unprecedented times, keeping both our students and faculty safe.”

In addition, as part of its commitment to safety, Red Deer College has created an app designed for smart phones, enabling students, faculty, staff and visitors to easily and quickly connect with campus security in the event of an emergency, medical emergency or injury.

Prior to COVID-19, the College had already developed the SAFE RDC App. However, in response to the pandemic, the app was updated to include health check and contact tracing.

Anyone wanting to enter the campus must first complete the health check. You will be asked a series of questions about your health and symptoms as they relate to COVID-19, and asked about your exposure to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and your recent travel. Based on your responses to these questions, you will either be granted or denied access to the campus.

“It’s no surprise to ASET that Alberta technology institutes and colleges like Red Deer College have applied the innovation that is the hallmark of the engineering technology profession to finding safe and effective ways to continue that education for students in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis,” remarks ASET CEO Barry Cavanaugh.

ASET members represent a wide range of sectors, including civil engineering and construction, avionics, biomedical, chemical, computers, electrical, environmental, geological, instrumentation, oil and gas, and telecommunications.