Integrating E-Learning and Classroom Learning for Engineering Quality Control Unit Curtin University Experience

Abstract

Engineering employers expect engineering graduates to possess a wide range of skills that goes beyond their technical knowledge. It is vital that graduates have skills which demonstrate that they are responsible for their own development and careers. Some of these skills include; communication abilities, organizational skills, self-promotion, the ability to work as part of a team, be an effective problem solver, be a critical thinker, have good negotiation skills, have the ability to be a leader and being able to network effectively. Department of Civil Engineering at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia offers a Master of Engineering Management degree for Engineers from various disciplines. One of the units taught in this Master degree program is Engineering Quality Control. It was decided to incorporate these non-technical skills in this unit by using an e-learning platform (Blackboard) together with an adaptation of the Seven Principles of Good Practice and Dr Meredith Belbin's team role theory to divide participants into groups. At the end of the unit, most of the participants were showing improvements in their non-technical skills.