Development and Usage of TAPS Packages in the Mechanical Engineering Course

2010 ◽  
pp. 91-119
Author(s):  
Manjit Singh Sidhu
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Domain Knowledge ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Situational Learning

The Mechanical Engineering course is largely based on practical skills and requires the acquisition of basic skills and domain knowledge before applying them on real problems. In order to design and develop a technology assisted problem solving (TAPS) package particularly to guide students in learning and solving engineering problems, it is necessary to be acquainted with its development and its process of realization in practical terms in computer software. User interface design has been applied in learning environments as discussed in previous Chapter 3. Therefore it is informative to discover the extent to which they help engineering students in their learning and thereby be incorporated in TAPS packages. This examination includes an overview of good practice in the positioning and operation of navigational features, visual screen presentation, the nature of presentation, help and feedback and views on the role of the learner in using the TAPS packages. This Chapter discusses the need to learn practical Mechanical Engineering skills and reviews the tutorial and situational learning approaches. Additionally the Chapter provides an overview of TAPS packages and the approach adopted for problem solving and student learning.

Using Articulate Virtual Laboratories in Teaching Energy Conversion at the U.S. Naval Academy

1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Wu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
The United States ◽  
Naval Academy ◽  
United States Naval Academy ◽  
Virtual Laboratories ◽  
Engineering Department

The Mechanical Engineering Department at the United States Naval Academy is currently evaluating a new teaching method which implements the use of a computer software. Utilizing the thermodynamic based software CyclePad, Intelligent Computer Aided Instruction (ICAI) is incorporated in an advanced energy conversion course (EM443) for Mechanical Engineering students. The use of the CyclePad software enhances lectures and aids students in visualization and design.

Improving students’ freehand sketching skills in mechanical engineering curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Uziak ◽  
Ning Fang
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Engineering Curriculum ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Modern Engineering ◽  
Computer Aided

Freehand sketching is a fundamental skill in mechanical engineering and many other engineering disciplines. It not only serves as a communication tool among engineers, but plays a critical role in engineering design and problem solving. However, as computer-aided drafting has replaced traditional drawing classes nowadays, the training of students’ freehand sketching skills has been almost completely eliminated in modern engineering curricula. This paper describes the attributes of freehand sketching and its roles in several essential aspects of engineering; in particular, in its roles in problem solving, of which current literature has ignored. Representative examples are provided to show students’ freehand sketching skills in problem solving in a foundational undergraduate mechanical engineering course. Pedagogical suggestions are made on how to teach freehand sketching to engineering students.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document