In early 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic turned higher education on its head, faculty had to act quickly to develop new and innovative methodologies to teach and engage students. In the process, faculty also discovered ways to create and divulge knowledge applicable not only to their classes but to the greater good. 

This is exemplified through the civil engineering learning modules developed by CU Denver civil engineering faculty in collaboration with the CU Denver Comcast Media & Technology Center. The end result was 12 learning module videos covering topics from civil engineering and surveying to engineering professionalism.  

Professor David Mays spent hours developing an 18-minute video around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), titled “How Diversity Makes Better Engineering Teams.” What developed into more of a passion project, he hopes to reach audiences everywhere. “DEI is a win-win,” he said. “The whole team does better when everyone feels welcome.” 

Lecturer Suzanne Schuett developed a module that addresses the ethics around e-waste and how it impacts populations around the world. Additionally, the civil engineering modules cover hydrostatics (Mays), numerical methods (Allison Goodwell), water treatment (Schuett), clear zones (Roxann Hayes), and filet welding (Fred Rutz). Additionally, there is a suite of surveying videos, developed by instructor Harold Schuch.  

“The Internet is full of engineering videos, but if you want a curated set of videos, created by experts, and produced by professionals, there are far fewer choices,” said David Mays, professor of civil engineering. “These videos are valuable because they are high-quality and developed by experts.” 

Access all the videos on the College of Engineering, Design and Computing YouTube channel.