Transitioning Oral Presentations Online in Large-Enrollment Capstone Design Courses Increases Panelist Participation

The UF MAE program delivers a large-enrollment capstone design sequence that traditionally hosts in-person oral presentations with industry panels. COVID-19 necessitated presentations be conducted online. This transition increased average panelist participation by 50%. Average design team scores fell from 92.4% (σ = 5.6%) for in-person presentations in Fall 2017, 2018, and 2019 to 76.9% (σ = 7.8%) for online presentations in Spring 2020. This aberration was not caused by 1) larger / more diverse panels, 2) evaluator fatigue, 3) over-scripted presentations, or 4) difficulty transitioning online. Pandemic-induced stress was the likely cause. Industry sponsor feedback and increased participation compel continuation of capstone oral online presentations when in-person instruction resumes. © 2020