Next Generation Tools, Technologies and Aesthetics for Effective Online Teaching and Remote Learning: An Engineering Faculty Perspective

Abstract

Online Teaching and Remote Learning (OTRL) became more or less inevitable in the current scenario due to the corona pandemic. OTRL could be more productive using next-generation software and hardware tools, information, communication, and automation technologies (ICAT). In addition to the intelligent devices and ICAT, incorporating aesthetics such as poetry, art, and animation in teaching complex concepts and algorithms could potentially enhance the beauty of OTRL. In this study, the author presents several useful next-generation tools and ICAT for efficient OTRL. The tools include smartphone applications (apps), intelligent devices for experiment demonstrations, google tools, and others such as canvas and piazza. The use of these tools and technologies will certainly deliver a better teaching and learning experience. The author also shows fascinating examples of using aesthetics in teaching specific engineering courses. However, the author finds them more useful for selected courses and concepts in engineering. The amalgamation of traditional approaches and selective and intelligent usage of state-of-the-art tools will lead to effective OTRL. Furthermore, using these tools, techniques, and practices, sciences and engineering faculty can quickly and smartly teach online and motivate students to learn better and wiser remotely.