Through Explorations in Engineering, a distance learning course designed to help high school students and adult learners gain an appreciation of engineering, U.Va. Engineering School faculty are answering the call for increased efforts in engineering education — literally.

Explorations in Engineering is led by professor James Groves, the School´s assistant dean for research and outreach. Explorations in Engineering students, who complete the course as a supplement to their high school curricula and for college credit, participate in two class sessions each week: one online using the UVa Collab course management system and one through a special audio-graphics package. The former allows students to independently work through learning objectives and multi-media assignments. The latter allows students to talk to each other and Groves over the Internet while observing the professor´s computer desktop on their own monitors. Throughout the semester, the students also complete team projects, which culminate in final presentations held on U.Va´s Grounds.
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