CADMOOC

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.