Dive Summary:
- With a grant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, South Carolina's Florence-Darlington Technical College created a prototype online physics course, "Power Up: High Tech Online," for regional nuclear power workforce development.
- Currently in its pilot stage, the online program makes things easier for working students who have difficulty scheduling around class and lab hours while potentially attracting a more diverse student population to the mostly white male field of nuclear engineering.
- The American Nuclear Society also helps connect students in programs at schools like FDTC with professionals working in the field to address questions and provide a deeper understanding of what they are currently studying.
From the article:
... [FDTC Instructor William] Beston believes that programs similar to FDTC are leading the way with regard to how not only nuclear engineering programs but other components of STEM education will be practiced throughout the world.
"Eventually those who support STEM education will learn to adapt to the online environment," he said. "We have to take careful notice of students' learning styles and create a variety of components that don't overpower each other, and apply those practices digitally." ...