Virtual Internships Develop Engineering Skills

February 18, 2013

First-year engineering students are engaging in a computer-based virtual internship that simulates engineering professional practice. In this simulated setting, students work in a fictitious company called Nephrotex, which produces ultrafiltration units, or dialyzers, for hemodialysis machines. First-year engineering students play the role of interns at the fictitious company and participate in complex problem solving. Instructors and teaching assistants role play as company employees. Students complete two cycles of engineering design-build-test. They select a final optimum prototype and justify their design decisions. Students must also try to satisfy stakeholders within the company who have conflicting values. Because the simulation is entirely online it’s broadly accessible to large and small classes, in non-traditional or extension classes, at a broad range of institution types. More information is available here.