Distance Learning In Support Of An Inter Institutional Bme Department

The University of Texas at Austin recently established an inter-institutional Department of Biomedical Engineering encompassing three campuses: UT Austin, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and UT Health Science Center-Houston. Since the campuses of participating institutions are in two cities separated by about 170 miles, distance learning technologies are a key factor for the pedagogical component of the graduate program. Because this collaborative environment is quite different from typical distance learning paradigms, a new study opportunity was recognized. For example, the demographics of the student body are the same as for a single-site graduate program, whereas many distance learning programs are constructed for more diverse populations. Moreover, we recognize the importance that teaching should drive technology usage, not vice versa, even when technology is essential as is the case for a distance learning environment. Thus, we conducted a series of surveys with our faculty and students to assess their needs, with an emphasis on recognized competencies for distance education. We present lessons learned about both the process of needs assessment for distance education as well as the identified challenges.