Delivering an Engineering Laboratory Course Using the Internet, the Post Office, and a Campus Visit

We present the redesign of a sophomore‐level mechanics of materials engineering laboratory course for distance delivery. The distance laboratory course combined multi‐media computer experiments, portable hands‐on exercises, and place‐bound laboratory experiments. Class communication was accomplished through e‐mail, online discussion groups and telephone conversations. Preliminary assessment of this new model for providing hands‐on distance education gave valuable information that supports its effectiveness.