Electronic Engineering Labs during Pandemic Restrictions – What Ireland did next

Michael Johnson; Merrilyn Goos

doi:10.18687/LACCEI2025.1.1.921

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Electronic Engineering Labs during Pandemic Restrictions – What Ireland did next

Conference paper

Peer reviewed

Electronic Engineering Labs during Pandemic Restrictions – What Ireland did next

Michael Johnson and Merrilyn Goos

Proceedings of the 23rd LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (LACCEI), Vol.2025, pp.1-7

LACCEI (Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions) International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology, 23rd (Mexico City, Mexico; Online, 16-Jul-2025–18-Jul-2025)

Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18687/LACCEI2025.1.1.921

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Abstract

Electronics & Computer Engineering

Engineering Education

Laboratory

Remote Teaching

Teaching

This paper investigates the shift in experiential education laboratories for electronic, electrical, and computer engineering courses in Ireland, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced higher education institutions to adapt their electronic laboratory sessions to a remote delivery model. This study categorizes and evaluates the different approaches taken by Irish higher education institutes (HEIs) to implement remote engineering laboratories. Using survey data, user feedback, and firsthand reports from 33 participants across 12 HEIs, the paper examines the effectiveness of these remote lab methods. The analysis identified five distinct remote laboratory delivery methods, with learning simulations and remote hardware lab kits being the most commonly employed. Although remote hardware lab kits were favored for their perceived effectiveness in replicating hands-on experiences, they posed significant challenges, including increased administrative workload, preparation, implementation, and management overheads. In contrast, simulated lab solutions, though less resource-intensive, did not fully capture the hands-on learning experience. This study highlights the complex challenges faced by Irish HEIs in maintaining effective experiential education in electronic engineering labs during the pandemic, shedding light on the advantages and limitations of remote delivery models and their implications for future educational practices in engineering disciplines.

Details

Title: Electronic Engineering Labs during Pandemic Restrictions – What Ireland did next
Authors: Michael Johnson (Corresponding Author) - University of Limerick
Merrilyn Goos - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
Contributors: Maria M Larrondo Petrie (Editor) - Florida Atlantic University
Jose Texier (Editor) - Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions
Rodolfo Andrés Rivas Matta (Editor) - Florida Atlantic University
Publication details: Proceedings of the 23rd LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (LACCEI), Vol.2025, pp.1-7
Conference details: LACCEI (Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions) International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology, 23rd (Mexico City, Mexico; Online, 16-Jul-2025–18-Jul-2025)
Publisher: Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.18687/LACCEI2025.1.1.921
ISSN: 2414-6390
Organisation Unit: School of Education and Tertiary Access
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991182745702621
Output Type: Conference paper

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