MERC Online Member Profile

MERC ONLINE: We are talking with Tom McGlew as the next interview in our ongoing series of MERC Online Member Profiles. Tom, would you tell us a little about yourself?

TOM: I am an Instructional Programs Development Specialist working for the Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center in Phoenix, Arizona. I am currently an NSF Grant Project Manager and an Externship Manager for our National Resource Center NetWorks.

MERC ONLINE: How are you using the educational materials in the MERC Online database in your classes or programs?

TOM: When developing or enhancing an educational program, I use various online resources such as MERC Online to gather and evaluate new technologies in a particular area of study that is being developed or used to enhance.

MERC ONLINE: What other ways are the materials in the database helping you improve or enhance the way you educate students?

TOM: I am always looking for the latest information to infuse excitement in learning about technology. The MERC Online resources are new, up to date, and have been peer review. I like knowing that each resource has been peer reviewed prior to posting as it provides a level of additional confidence in the resources I select as to being applicable and accurate.

MERC ONLINE: In what ways could the database and materials be more useful to you?

TOM: At the moment I do not have any suggestions, as I am able to find what I need. If there was a way to link to or search other online resource sites from within MERC Online that would be of benefit to me.

MERC ONLINE: Are there any other services of MERC Online that have changed the way you educate students other than what we have talked about?

TOM: Probably the biggest change in the last year has been the online webinars. I would like to see more of these activities in future years. What is great about the webinars is that they are delivered via the Internet directly to my computer in real time and that I have the ability to interact with and exchange ideas with leaders in the technology manufacturing as well as with other colleagues participating in the same event.

MERC ONLINE: In what other ways could MERC Online be of service to disseminate manufacturing education?

TOM: I would suggest that MERC Online look at joining other Advance Technology Education Centers to produce additional manufacturing webinars and conference workshops where faculty can share, learn, and develop usable course materials.

MERC ONLINE: Have you recommended MERC Online to your colleagues?

TOM: Yes I have, and they, too, have found the resources available in MERC Online to be of the highest quality and pertinent to their or their students educational needs.

MERC ONLINE: Thanks Tom! This interview has been very helpful.