Supporting multi-discipline undergraduate group projects

Student group projects are an important part of undergraduate engineering programmes. They provide an opportunity for students to apply the theory that they have learned and experience a situation analogous to that which they will encounter after graduation.A number of significant changes have been made to the group projects within the School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering at Loughborough University. One of these changes means that students from across the department on different degree courses will be working together on the same projects.This paper reports on a research project that investigated the effective practice in the management and support of major student group projects within the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department and also across Loughborough University. Technological solutions were sought that were of potential use in supporting the student group project process.Requirements for a support system have been identified, including an eLearning hub with guidelines of use and participation for both students and staff. This new support system will help students manage their group projects, thereby gain the best experience. In addition, it will also aid staff in their understanding of the project and their role in it. The lessons learned here will provide useful points of interest for those involved in other student group projects.