Evolution of experiential learning in an acoustics elective course

Starting in 2007, PHYS-388, Acoustics in the Human Environment, has been part of the Acoustics Minor at Kettering University. Originally envisioned to capture foundational concepts of acoustics that would be essential to a wide variety of engineering and scientific applications, this course is aimed at a junior/senior level audience to reflect the initiative and maturity required of the student. Topics emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of acoustics in industry, incorporating digital signal processing, psychoacoustics, and applications in room acoustics and environmental noise. Its evolution from a face-to-face studio environment to a hybrid, and then fully online course has retained a hands-on experiential course design and themes of art and design. Challenges arose in teaching the course online, and solutions to promote learner engagement and consistency are described.