The Effect of Using Computer Technology Tools to Enhance the Teaching-Learning Process in CAD-CAM-CNC Module in Mechanical Engineering Subject Area

This study presents the evaluation of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) package included in the teaching and learning methodology of computer aided design- computer aided design - computer numerical control (CAD-CAM-CNC) module. Three groups of students with similar pre-abilities were exposed to three different teaching learning methodologies.The effectiveness of these three methods was determined by questionnaires completed by the students and collected by first author. Their answers were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The various categories used in the questionnaire was student’s attitudes towards learning CAD-CAM-CNC subjects, students’ opinions about their lecturers approaches to teaching process, students’ opinions and views about various aspects the CAD-CAM-CNC. The study concludes that the students taught with a combination of CAL package and traditional methods were more effective, efficient and satisfied with their learning experiences. So the proposed hybrid learning method (CAI plus traditional teaching method) is most suited for CAD-CAM-CNC teaching. Computer Technology; Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI); Computer Assisted Learning (CAL); Computer Aided Design (CAD); Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM); Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Intelligent tutoring systems for systems engineering methodologies

The general goal is to provide the technology required to build systems that can provide intelligent tutoring in IDEF (Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition Method) modeling. The following subject areas are covered: intelligent tutoring systems for systems analysis methodologies; IDEF tutor architecture and components; developing cognitive skills for IDEF modeling; experimental software; and PC based prototype

Using Computer Technology Tools to Improve the Teaching-Learning Process in Technical and Vocational Education: Mechanical Engineering Subject Area

This paper discusses the integration of computer assisted instructions (CAI) with traditional class room teaching. It describes a teaching method to bring real-world of industrial work into the classroom that underscores the need to learn fundamental principles while adding excitement and relevance to the experience. This paper presents results of a case study undertaken to understand the effect of computer assisted teaching methodology on learning effectiveness in classroom environment. The effects of computer assisted instructions on different levels of cognition of individual learners have also been evaluated. The computer aided drawing (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer numerical control (CNC) courses at the Bahrain institute are an integral part of this attempt. These courses emphasize the development of a 3-D geometric computer model and application of this digital database to all phases of the design process. The students make freehand sketches, build computer models, mate assemblies of parts, perform various analysis, create kinematics simulations, generate final design drawings, import engineering drawing as DXF file, generate NC file to build rapid prototypes as shown in the table 1 below. Keywords: Computer Technology, C.N.C and AutoCad Softwar

Courseware in academic library user education: A literature review from the GAELS Joint Electronic Library Project

The use of courseware for information skills teaching in academic libraries has been growing for a number of years. In order to create effective courseware packages to support joint electronic library activity at Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities, the GAELS project conducted a literature review of the subject. This review discovered a range of factors common to successful library courseware implementations, such as the need for practitioners to feel a sense of ownership of the medium, a need for courseware customization to local information environments, and an emphasis on training packages for large bodies of undergraduates. However, we also noted underdeveloped aspects worthy of further attention, such as treatment of pedagogic issues in library computer‐aided learning (CAL) implementations and use of hypertextual learning materials for more advanced information skills training. We describe how these findings shaped the packages produced by the project and suggest ways forward for similar types of implementation

TEACHING OF COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SYSTEMS

The objective of this paper is to analyze and describe computer-aided design training and its aspects. A traditional and technology-supported learning process is described with the purpose of analyzing computer-aided design training and provision of knowledge assessment, and identifying problems in the CAD system training. The article analyzes the learning process by defining its objectives, the necessity of student characterization, motivation analysis, the necessity of feedback and other basic components; it analyzes the training methods, provides insight into technology-supported learning process, identifies the provision and types of computer-aided design training and knowledge assessment as well as describes feedback and its role in the training process.Elaboration of an intellectual learning system would solve the problems associated with lack of feedback, lack of adaptivity and the emergence of plagiarism (since only the end result of the design is subjected to the test and not the whole process of creating it, it is easy to pass another’s work for one’s own). A solution to these problems would facilitate the work of the teacher and improve student learning outcomes

The relationship between computer interaction and individual user characteristics

Development of effective human computer interaction is being approached independently by two disciplines -- user interface design and computer aided instruction. The lack of communication between the two fields has left each separately pursuing different paths toward the same goals. This thesis attempts to bridge the gap between these two disciplines. An exploratory study was conducted to analyze whether user choices in a computer aided instruction environment and personality types as defined by the Myers-Briggs type indicator are related strongly enough to provide the basis for future user models. The results demonstrated that no single instructional strategy was preferred, implying the need for more than one user model. The amount of instruction chosen did not increase performance. These conclusions have impact on research efforts to understand how both user and system characteristics influence the use of computer technology. The current research efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence techniques by both user interface designers and computer aided instruction developers has heightened the need for knowledge-based systems incorporating interdisciplinary research efforts