Mechatronic Engineering By Distance Education

摘要

The number of students undertaking tertiary studies by distance mode in Australia has been steadily increasing over the last decade. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is a renowned leader in distance education and extended its offer of bachelor of engineering programs to external mode in 1988. A M echatronic Engineering program became a part of this offering in 1995 and has grown steadily over time, especially with overseas students. The USQ distance education model is presented within the context of the Bachelor of Engineering degree programs. A typical external student profile is presented together with an analysis of student demand for this mode. A brief assessment of the success of this study mode is made and its positive aspects highlighted, especially with respect to mechatronic engineering. Finally, how this mode of study complements face-to-face teaching is presented and indeed how this might be the case nation wide.