Virtual Collaboration in Mechatronic Projects: Design, Development, and Continuous Improvement

Abstract

This paper describes the process and the continuous improvement of an online collaboration project within the scope of teaching microcontroller projects through distance learning. This virtual collaboration project was first established for the NSF funded grant TUES Type 2: "Dissemination of Microprocessor Courses through Classroom and Interactive Cyber-Enabled Technologies", and later improved the communication mechanism through the second NSF funded grant I-Corp L: "Transform the Innovated Design and Development of an Embedded Design Training System and Associated Support Curricula into a Commercial Available Product". Faculty in two and four-year institutions often find themselves working in isolated subject domains with little opportunity to collaborate with other faculty with the similar expertise at his/her institution simply because they are the only faculty available in that subject area. The need for collaboration among faculty members from different institutions was addressed and supported by the NSF funded grant projects. However, the challenge in creating the environment for faculty members from different institutions and diverse geographic regions became vital. The virtual collaboration platform was designed to enable faculty members from different institutions to communicate through the Internet and share project ideas regardless of their geographic location.