The class described below is comprised of students from two universities, where students participate synchronously or asynchronously by attending twice-weekly scheduled meeting times either in person, viewing a live stream via an online conferencing tool, or watching recordings at a later time. This paper describes how students approached long-distance collaboration within teams compared to teams who met face to face. It further presents students’ perceived benefits of developing the skills necessary to collaborate in online and distance situations, skills which will equip them to work, learn, and research in an increasingly virtual world.
An Innovation-Based Learning model was deployed to test how teams from multiple locations, termed Multi-site teams, were able to produce deliverables in comparison to teams who met in-person. Our results show that location separation was not a factor in the success of student teams. This finding suggests, students and learners, who may not be able to participate in a brick and mortar university, can participate in innovation-based teams and the innovation-based learning culture. By increasing the inclusion of members, a diversity of mindset can be attained, which the authors believe may increase a team’s ability to creatively solve current healthcare challenges.
Mary is a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering with research focused in the area of bioelectromagnetics, specifically designing electronics that can be used as medical devices. She obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees at NDSU in electrical and computer engineering. Mary is also interested in STEM education research.
http://orcid.org/https://0000-0003-3586-4266
North Dakota State University
[biography]
Lauren Singelmann is a Masters Student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Dakota State University. Her research interests are innovation-based-learning, educational data mining, and K-12 Outreach. She works for the NDSU College of Engineering as the K-12 Outreach Coordinator where she plans and organizes outreach activities and camps for students in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Ryan Striker is a life-long learner. Ryan has over a decade of professional experience designing embedded electronic hardware for industrial, military, medical, and automotive applications. Ryan is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Dakota State University. He previously earned his MS in Systems Engineering from the University of Saint Thomas and his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7257-0817
North Dakota State University
[biography]
Experienced Systems Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the electrical and electronic manufacturing field. Highly skilled in Embedded Devices, Software Engineering, and Electronics.
Extremely motivated and self-reliant with a great believe in autonomy, new ways to solve problems and ROWE approaches. Team player and devoted to create superb working environments through dedication and team culture.
Strong information technology professional with two MSc's and working on a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD focused in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University.
Ellen Swartz is currently pursuing a M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering at North Dakota State University. Her research interests include STEM education, innovation-based learning, and agent-based modeling of complex adaptive systems. She previously received her B.S. degree from North Dakota State University in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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