Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

We describe the CAL-based training for CADCAM designed specifically to teach level-2 undergraduate mechanical and manufacturing engineers the fundamentals of computer-based design and manufacture of three-dimensional components. The work has been ongoing over the last decade and we describe the development of the material from its paper-based beginnings to the current webenabled, CD-ROM-based environment. In particular, we review the lessons learnt from continuous feedback and improvement, marking the CAL approach as a success. This has to be taken in the context of the large initial investment required to produce the material. The software products PowerShape and PowerMill developed by Delcam plc, were used for surface modelling and manufacture, respectively.

Keywords

mechanical engineering CADCAM modelling machining student-based learning exploratory learning CD-ROM

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Hiltz

S. R.

, The Virtual Classroom. Learning Without Limits via Computer Networks (Albex Publishing, Norwood, NJ, 1994).

Wegerif

, ‘The social dimension of asynchronous learning networks’, Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 2(3) (1998), 34–49.

Dearing

, National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education (1997). http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/ncihe.

CVCP, Learning for Change — Building a University System for a New Century. CVCP Response to the Department for Education Review of Higher Education (Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals, London, 1995).

Hartley

, Learning and Studying. A Research Perspective (Routledge, London, 1998).

Leidner

D. E.

Jarvenpaa

S. L.

, ‘The information age confronts education: Case studies in electronic classrooms’, Information Systems Research, 4(1) (1993), 24–54.

Kolb

D. A.

, Experimental Learning: Experiences as the Source of Learning and Development (Prentice-Hall, Eaglewood Cliffs, NJ, 1984).

Saettler

, The Evolution of American Educational Technology (Libraries Unlimited, Eaglewood, CO, 1990).

Lipsey

Wilson

D. B.

, ‘The efficacy of psychological, educational, and behaviour treatment: Confirmation from meta-analysis’, American Psychologist, 48(12) (1993), 1181–1209.

10.

Bourne

J. R.

McMaster

Rieger

and Campbell

J. O.

, ‘Paradigms for on-line learning: A case study in the design and implementation of an asynchronous learning networks (ALN) course’, Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 1(2) (1997), 38–56.

11.

Microsoft Corporation http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/.

12.

Macromedia, Inc. 600 Townsend Street, San Francisco, CA. http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/.

13.

Cripps

R. J.

and Ghani

, Design and support of software training materials, ICAM'95, University of Sunderland (1995).

CAL-based CADCAM Training for Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineers

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References