In Summer 2014, Dr. Vale ran a pilot summer session of a second year engineering course at the University of Guelph. To provide accessibility for students who were away from campus (for example, due to co-op), the lectures were live streamed using Adobe Connect (audio and screen capture, but no room video). A live chat was also implemented, enabling active class participation for those students accessing the course remotely. Approximately 20 students attended live and 40 attended remotely. An REB was obtained, and the class was surveyed to assess the effectiveness of the remote access to the lectures, the influence of employment on taking the course, efficacy of holding courses during the summer semester, and the impact of this method of delivery on their learning. From this investigation, increased attendance to lectures showed improved student performance, regardless of the method of attendance. Overall, the students appreciated the remote access and the online in-class chat forum and found that this method of delivery was complimentary to the traditional in-class lecture format. Some tips and tricks to implementing and using the technology and some of the challenges of engaging students both remotely and in class will also be discussed. Attendants are encouraged to bring their laptops for participation in a live online chat
