Experiences of Online Classes and Lab Facilities in VIT VLSI MTech Program During 2020
The year 2020 marked a significant shift in the educational landscape, particularly for the VLSI Design program at VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology) with students joining the course from 2020 to 2022. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the experiences of these students regarding their online classes and lab facilities during this period.
Online Class Experiences
The transition to online learning brought both challenges and opportunities for the VIT VLSI MTech students. According to the feedback from multiple batches, the overall experience remained positive, though there were certain aspects that required improvement.
No.1: General Satisfaction and Challenges
One of the first experiences shared by the students was the effectiveness of the online teaching methods and the accessibility of resources. "Overall, the experience was good. Teachers tried to engage students and maintain interest through various tools." Additionally, the provision of recorded lecture videos was highly appreciated, as it allowed students to revisit concepts as needed. However, some students felt that the lack of face-to-face interaction and the long screen time affected their mental well-being.
No.2: Internship Opportunities
The internship opportunities provided by companies like Qualcomm, Intel, Mediatek, and ST Microelectronics were seen as a significant advantage. "The internship opportunities were plentiful, giving students a head start in their career." Despite the challenges of online learning, these internships played a crucial role in the students' overall development and learning experience.
Lab Facilities and Practical Experience
While the theoretical aspects of the course were manageable, the practical component faced certain limitations due to the online mode. Many students mentioned the importance of hands-on learning and the drawbacks of virtual labs.
No.3: Practical Challenges and Solutions
During the online sessions, some faculties struggled to deliver lectures effectively, particularly regarding the use of digital boards. The virtual labs, although available 24/7, lacked the hands-on experience that hardware projects require. "Virtual labs were a necessity in the pandemic, but they couldn't fully replace the feel of working with actual hardware." To enhance the practical experience, the feedback suggested that more interactions between faculties and students and the provision of more virtual lab licenses could have improved the situation.
Placement and Academic Performance
The placement outcomes were overwhelmingly positive, with many students securing internships at prestigious companies. ("VLSI is a fascinating field and the online experience is good. Despite the challenges, the placement process was excellent.") The efficiency of online classes, while not as high as in-person, did not hinder the academic progress and development of the students. The recorded lectures and open-book exams further supported the learning process.
Conclusion
While the transition to online classes and labs posed some challenges, the overall experience was largely positive. The students felt that the faculty's efforts to maintain a conducive learning environment were commendable. However, there is scope for improvement, especially in terms of regular interaction and the practical experience of working with hardware.
In conclusion, the feedback from the VIT VLSI MTech batches of 2020 highlights the necessity of adapting to new educational modes while ensuring that the core educational goals are not compromised. As the world continues to evolve, the lessons learned during this period will undoubtedly shape future academic and professional endeavors.