This paper presents the hybrid delivery method of a laboratory experiment at the Stability Wind Tunnel of Virginia Tech to some 170 students during April 2020, which can be considered the early stages of the COVID-19 induced lockdown. The steps of converting the hands-on labs to hybrid labs are presented in detail. Namely, a videoconferencing tool was used to (i) stream the instrumentation used, (ii) provide live video feed, and (iii) to interact with the students. Labs began with a remote tour of the facility, whilst the presence of an expert-at-a distance added key value to the labs as it enhanced students conceptual understanding via verbal interaction. The experiments were then performed by laboratory personnel while student’s engagement was kept high via the teleconferencing session. At the end of the two-week laboratory campaign, the students provided feedback of the laboratory sessions via an open-ended and closed-ended survey. They highlighted the added value of expert-at distance, the live video feed, and the ability of working with instructors. While their feedback was rather positive, students showed a strong preference toward hands-on laboratories. Overall, the methodologies presented here can be considered a relatively low-cost method to upgrade hands-on laboratories to hybrid or remote labs.

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Máté Szőke

Andrew Katz

Aurélien Borgoltz

William Devenport