Derek Irwin
Papers
1
Total Citations
14
H-Index
1
About
Derek Irwin is an engineering education researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of hands-on learning, digital simulation, and scalable pedagogy. He is best known for his rapid and innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when he designed and implemented a fully remote, project-based engineering experience for 285 undergraduate students. This involved mailing physical experimental kits to students’ homes and developing a multiplayer online robot simulation game, enabling them to achieve cognitive learning objectives despite the loss of in-person labs. His landmark paper on this work, published in 2020, has already garnered 14 citations, reflecting its timely impact on the field of remote engineering education. Irwin’s contributions demonstrate how experiential learning can be preserved and transformed through creative use of both tangible and digital tools, offering a model for resilient, engaging instruction in times of crisis. His research is particularly valuable for educators seeking to maintain rigorous, project-based curricula in distributed or hybrid settings.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1