Abstract:

Once a teaching innovation project comes to a close, a period of assessment and reflection follows based on the materials and concepts addressed. The content and objectives proposed herein were developed to incorporate the latest technology in 3D printing and computer tools. This teaching innovation project focuses on the subject Theory of Structures in a Mechanical Engineering degree program and involves collaboration with a leading electrical installations company. The activities proposed include calculating and modeling high voltage towers with a structural calculation program from CYPE Ingenieros S.A. A technical scientific workshop was also led by the company IMEL Instalaciones y Montajes Eléctricos Logroñeses S.L. And lastly, all the groups (the entire class) worked cooperatively to create 3D to-scale prototypes with a 3D printer. Once the activities were completed, students filled out a feedback questionnaire. The results of these surveys reflect students’ positive attitude toward the project. The project received an average rating of 4.19 points out of 5. While it is true that making changes takes time and effort, we stand behind the methodology proposed herein, and hope to keep improving and take on new challenges in future courses. Furthermore, professors find teaching more rewarding when they are working with truly engaged students, which is often not that case in traditional lecture-style classes. The survey results clearly indicate that working with cutting edge computer tools and programs are the activities most appreciated by students. And furthermore, students' interest and motivation flourish in a dynamic classroom that involves real professionals, such as structural calculation engineers.

Keywords:

Teaching innovation, 3D printer, Structures, Electric towers, Real models, Polls.