Overview
CAD (Computer Aided Design) teaching has traditionally been done as class room exercises which require great amount of space, computers and guidance. Since, especially at the beginning, the exercises are pretty much of type follow-the-instructions-tightly a lot of them could be done online independently of time or space. Teaching resources could better focus on developing the contents and methods of teaching. One big challenge still remains, how to assess the online exercises and provide feedback to students.
CADMOOC pilot aims to develop a new approach to CAD education (Computer Aided Design). The focus in teaching is moved from learning the software to the core contents and concepts of engineering modelling. This is achieved utilizing online tools, online support and applicable pedagogical methods.
During 2017 tools and methods that enhance teaching of CAD software and support self-learning have been created. Using online tools students can learn the pressing-the-right-buttons technique themselves, allowing the computer exercise sessions to focus on teaching of different modeling techniques in small groups (blended learning).
Tools include
- 3D-geometry checker that validates the shape of the CAD models using neutral file format (STEP).
- Interface for Creo Parametric API allowing scripted model checking including feature validation with different parameters.
Automatic assessment tools run on dedicated server where students can submit their models for assessment. Students receive instant feedback about their models and can, when needed, update and re-submit the models. Learning analytics include history of student activities, results and statistics of most common mistakes in models.
Involved courses
ENG-A1001 – Computer-aided tools in engineering (5 ECTS)
KON-C3001 – Engineering design basics A (5 ECTS)
KON-C3003 – Engineering design basics B (5 ECTS)
MEC-E1060 – Machine Design (5 ECTS)
MEC-E5002 – Mechatronics Project (10 ECTS)
Links & Materials
- 10/2016 Free/open source CAD software comparison table
- 11/2016 Introductory exercises using browser-based CAD program Onshape
- Assembly exercise
- Part exercise
- Self-learning support for selected CAD software
- 12/2016 Automatic model checker mockup using Creo.
- 12/2016 Method to check the shape of the CAD model.
- 5/2017 Feedback from peer-review assessment from Computer-aided Tools in Engineering course
- 12/2017 Tuomas Tiainen’s Master’s thesis “Automaattinen mallinnustehtävien tarkastus konetekniikan CAD-opetuksessa“
- 1/2018 Article in Valokyna magazine.
- 5/2018 A pilot course with 250 students successfully passed. Feedback about automatic-assessment system was very positive.
- 9/2018 Study material for mechanical engineering drawings and creating mechanism assemblies with Solid Edge created.
People
Panu Kiviluoma
School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pilot leader
Kaur Jaakma
School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pilot leader
Antti Linnonmaa
School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Assistant
Jere Tiira
School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Assistant