Teaching Socially Responsible Engineering in Large-Section Design Courses. Wed, Jan 22, 11am-12pm, Ballroom E

Teaching large-section design courses presents unique challenges and opportunities for
educators. Active, authentic and applied learning approaches are essential for creating an
engaging and impactful learning environment.
Dr Spyros Schismenos, Assistant Professor in Humanitarian
Engineering at RMIT University, shares practical strategies for teaching
Introduction to Professional Engineering Practice, one of the largest first-year, first-semester
engineering courses. This course enrolls over 1,600 students annually and is co-designed
with local communities and industry partners. At the core of the course is the HERCULES
Challenge- Australia's first Academia-Industry-Society program where engineering students
collaborate with practicing engineers, humanitarians, non-profit organizations,
and vulnerable community groups to develop human-centered solutions for local priorities.
This session offers valuable insights into designing scalable, community-focused, and
socially responsible engineering curricula. Join us to explore how large-scale engineering
education can address pressing issues and inspire the next generation of engineers.