Abstract:

In this paper, the development of virtual prototypes models and their testing for active learning support is described.

The personalized applications selected by a tutor are used directly for performing active learning at the university’s detached workplace. When using the virtual prototypes the main strategy of the informatics support is based on the developing informatics tools which are adapted for a pedagogical - engineering content. On-line learning outcomes materials, as virtual prototypes, were created and tested on the desktop environment. Some of them were also investigated as the “active elements” for active learning, especially for writing stage rapports including practical projects. The practice showed that the testing of issues such as the practical stage work can result in an active learning process. It would not be possible to do it without computers.
Virtual prototyping technique, as method for active learning informatics support, requires the further refinement and also the enhancement of students’ informatics skills, as well.

The method described has been applied for many years with two types of students. These are local students and Erasmus students. The first are local students coming from the Transylvania University of Brasov in Romania. They chose the master of technology course in the robotics domain or in the building engineering domain. The final part of their course is concerned with a project in the virtual programming environment. The second type of students is concerned with Erasmus students coming mainly from the University of Valenciennes in France. To end their bachelor of technology course, the French students in electrical engineering domain follow a 3 months placement at the Romanian University.
This technique applied for many years is quite satisfying as it makes students more autonomous while slightly supervised.

References:
[1] Fratu A, Bécar J-P, Robots Collision Avoidance Using Learning through Imitation, SIITME 2013, IEEE 19th International Symposium for Design and Technology in Electronic Packaging October 24th–27th, 2013
[2] Bécar J-P., Fratu M, Fratu A, Canonne J-C., Example based learning for virtual prototyping engineering, Edulearn 14, 6th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, Barcelona - 7th - 9th of July 2014.
[3] Bécar J-P., Canonne J-C., Cartignies E., Fratu M., Fratu A., Iwanowski M., Czajewski W., Three experiments of learning by examples, 9th International Technology, Education and Development Conference, INTED 2015,2nd-4th of March, 2015.

Keywords:

Virtual prototyping, project based learning.