Abstract:

The state-of-the-art technologies and the current scientific breakthroughs facilitate the introduction of new methods into educational process. The 3D models have become an indispensable and efficient way of designing of transportation means, building interiors and architectural objects. 3D modelling is an important means of information transference and visualizing of real objects which serves as an excellent educational method. Many educational institutions have some workshops in their curriculum which demand the students to get acquainted with the design and operation of high-tech equipment on production sites. But due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions many students lack that opportunity. Thus, 3D modelling is a perfect decision for this problem.

The article discusses the application of 3D modelling as a part of project- oriented education in Russian higher education institutions, Russian University of Transport in particular.

The main idea of this method is to facilitate the students to develop and fulfil a project of their own. It was implemented in the course of “Computer-aided design systems” module. The project is fulfilled in three stages.

At the first stage the students master skills of 3D modelling. Under the guidance of a tutor they get acquainted with the basics of 3D modelling. As a result of this stage the students should develop a 3D model of an irregular-shaped detail.

At the second stage the students get individual tasks to design 3D models of a given machine details. The tutor monitors the fulfilment of the task and controls that the obtained details meet all the set standards.

The third stage is the 3D assembly of the work drawings of the machine nodes. It is important to thoroughly control the fulfilment of the task at that stage as deep knowledge of construction features and set standards are required. The prime task of the tutor is to explain to the students the functional properties of the assembled nodes and to control the fulfilment of this stage.

As a result of this module the students acquire the necessary skills of 3D modelling and investigate the construction properties of the complex machines. The assembled nodes are used for 3D modelling of more complicated equipment for the Russian Railways Co.

The results obtained in the course of the module were used by the Russian Railways Co. engineers to detect emergency situations and failure cases. That helped to work out the guidelines for their prevention.

The module served as a basis for the development of an interactive tutorial which aims at introducing students to the construction properties of the railway machines, acquiring of 3D modelling skills and formation of the professional competence in the sphere of railway machines.

Keywords:

Project-oriented education, 3D modelling, professional competence, interactive tutorial.