Asynchronous participation by proxy

Professional process for executing practical work is to plan, in advance, the procedure to adopt. Asynchronous participation by proxy involves the work being designed by the student and executed by another person, typically a member of staff or teaching assistant, and the results reported back. The process could involve discussion between the student and person following the procedure prior to execution, to reflect on the design and documentation of the proposed process.

Experimental design learning outcomes could be fulfilled using this method. It may also be pertinent to fulfilling learning outcomes associated with fabrication, for remote access to tools and workshops. This approach closely replicates engineering in industry, where designers submit drawings to be manufactured and test protocols to be followed. There is an opportunity for students to acknowledge the experience of operators and identify the value of using other people’s expertise as a resource.

This method provides freedom to work outside structured teaching formats that other tactics for remote practicals may constrain. Therefore it can be useful for more open ended learning tasks. However, there are significant implications for staff time resources.