When you picture a machine learning class, you might imagine a sea of code, dense math, and a professor droning on in a dark lecture hall. But for Professor Peter Chin, the experience is anything but that. It’s personal, dynamic, and rooted in a belief that learning should be rigorous and human. As one of the founding faculty members of Dartmouth’s online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering, Professor Chin is not only shaping the way students learn machine learning remotely, he’s helping redefine what a modern graduate engineering education can be.
Background and Motivation: From BU to Hanover—and into the Cloud
Peter Chin joined Dartmouth three years ago, after nearly a decade teaching at Boston University. Now a professor of engineering and the leader of the LISP (Learning, Intelligence, and Signal Processing) research group, Chin’s work weaves together elements of game theory and graph theory.
When the dean of engineering approached him about developing a machine learning course for Dartmouth’s newly envisioned online MEng, Chin’s response was an immediate yes.
But what followed was a year-long process of adapting an in-person course into something fully online, fully asynchronous, and fully worthy of the Dartmouth name. “I didn’t realize just how much work it would be,” he admits. “It took a year or more to get the slides, recordings, and edits done.” One 14-hour Saturday in the library studio was just one of many marathon efforts to ensure the content met his high standards.
The result? The machine learning course, one of the program’s two foundational courses, alongside signal processing. Professor Chin considers both to be a gateway to the program, and it’s a first impression that he takes seriously.
Teaching Online: Rigor, Realism, and a Little Reinvention
Professor Chin approached the online format with both excitement and realism. “During COVID, I taught over Zoom, but that was synchronous. With this program, it’s asynchronous. It was hard to know how the longer lectures would land.”
With support from Dartmouth’s Learning Design and Innovation team, he transformed his usual two-hour lectures into bite-sized, high-impact videos, aiming to keep them under ten minutes. It was a major shift, but something the Dartmouth team knew would be more digestible for online learners. “I had years of lecture material and had to rethink everything,” he says. “But once we figured it out, the result was great. Our production team was amazing and helped make everything so engaging.”
Still, Chin didn’t want to lose the classroom energy. He holds twice-weekly live sessions, a standard for all Dartmouth online MEng courses, and broadcasts from an actual Dartmouth classroom.
“I want students to feel like they’re here, part of the campus. I talk about current events in AI, adapt the material, and keep things as up-to-date as possible.”
About the Course: Practical, Challenging, and Always Evolving
Chin’s machine learning course is designed to reflect the real demands of the tech world. Students tackle real-world projects, adapt to new topics as they emerge, and actively apply what they learn immediately.
“My background is in pure math, where things never change. In AI, it’s the opposite. Things change so fast! There are topics I taught two years ago that I’ve already phased out. It’s important to me to keep the courses current.”
The online platform supports this dynamic structure. Students collaborate on team projects from day one, matched across time zones and skill sets. “Learning is more fun when you do it together,” Chin emphasizes. “That group aspect is built into every course in the program.”
Mid-course feedback is taken seriously, too. “Last year, some students felt it was too much work, so we adjusted mid-stream. It’s important to listen to student feedback.”
Industry Relevance: Built for Real Careers
Most of Chin’s students are full-time professionals in the tech industry. Some want promotions; others want to pivot into more technical roles. One student, he recalls, landed a job at Meta after taking his class.
“I wrote a recommendation letter for him, and months later he emailed to say, ‘Thank you so much, I got the job!’ That was really special.”
That level of connection isn’t rare. Chin makes a point to get to know his students and respects the challenge they take on by studying while working.
“Bless their hearts,” he says. “Sometimes I don’t know how they do it all. But we honor that. We design this program for people who are working moms and busy professionals.”
The Future of Engineering: Stay Curious, Stay Resilient
Asked about the future, Chin doesn’t hesitate. “Curiosity is key. You don’t have to be an AI expert, but you’ll be successful if you stay curious and persistent.”
He’s encouraged by the motivation he sees in his students. And he believes the mindset taught at Dartmouth—of growth, adaptation, and intellectual resilience—is what sets graduates up for success.
“If you’re the kind of employee who grows as your company grows, you’re invaluable. That’s what we try to nurture.”
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Path for You?
Professor Chin is realistic about the commitment required for Dartmouth’s online MEng. “It’s not easy. It’s rigorous. But if you’re looking for a high-quality education, and one that understands the reality of having a busy life, this could be a great fit.”
His advice? Talk to current students. Reach out to faculty. Don’t assume it’s impossible.
“We know our students are working parents, career changers, and lifelong learners. We’ll do everything we can to make it possible for you.”
And if you ever want to visit? You’re welcome.
“Some of our online students have visited the campus. It’s special. Dartmouth has a real sense of place, and when you come here, you feel it.”
Ready to take the next step? If you’re curious, ambitious, and interested in an online engineering degree designed for working professionals, Dartmouth’s online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering might be your next step. With professors like Peter Chin leading the way, you won’t just learn, you’ll connect, grow, and thrive, 100% online, hands-on, and head-first into the future.
