Design Days Re(Boot) Camp: Integrating First-Year Engineering Design Remotely

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, course activities pivoted to online learning in 2020. This necessitated a redesign of Systems Design Engineering’s Design Days from a two-day in-person event at the start of term to three shorter online sessions throughout term to prepare and support students during their first term at
university. These sessions featured new activities including, an arcade game developed using block coding;
a Rube Goldberg virtual ball toss; and the design of a Wi-Fi access point reflector. All activities were designed using principles of effective online learning including, social presence, familiarization with online learning technology, and engaging activities. The online Design Days (Re)Boot Camp ran successfully during Fall 2020, supporting most intended learning outcomes and achieving high initial participation. Continual improvement will focus on sustaining participation, strengthening connections to design and technical concepts, and retaining strong elements upon the return to in-person learning.