Abstract:

This paper will describe an active project focused on the integration of a virtual reality platform into an undergraduate engineering education program at the Munster Technological University, Kerry Campus. This Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (MME), is a key output of the REEdI (Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland) project. This disruptive program has been designed in coordination with a range of industry partners in the manufacturing sector in Ireland. The end goal is to produce industry ready graduates equipped with a range of essential skills in emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The application of immersive technologies in engineering education is relatively new, with most reports being isolated experiments at points in time of an engineering course. Our approach is to actively embed the technology from year 1 right throughout the four-year degree.

Due to this, a structured and guided approach was taken, with our pioneer cohort of student engineers being introduced to VR technology at orientation. Student Engineers were informed that they would have the opportunity to work with the technology as part of their module “Engineering Challenge 1”. For this challenge, students were provided with an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset and encouraged to engage with the technology in a formative environment, albeit in a fun and exploratory way. Once comfortable with the technology, we progressed to introducing the engineering challenge student engineers were required to navigate and complete. A project scope to build a virtual chain reaction machine on the VR platform “Gadgeteer” was presented, with the first and last step of the machine specified. The interconnecting design was to be developed by the students. This exploratory project presented a number of real-life challenges where mistakes could be made and easily rectified in a safe environment.

This applied research has demonstrated that our student engineers have gained exposure and developed a competency in a range of real-world skills such as; engineering mechanics, engineering design, machine capability, time management, organisation skills, problem solving and presentation skills. Furthermore, students are developing a confidence and proficiency in the use of VR technology. Future modules on our Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in MME will be supplemented with practical work in a virtual environment. In addition to the enhancement of the student learning experience, there are several advantages to educational institutions in harnessing VR technology. Using this technology, engineering laboratories can experience a reduction in health and safety incidents compared to traditional laboratory practical’s, with a reduced requirement for physical laboratory space on campus. In addition, there are significant benefits for distance learning students, who can access engineering practical assignments by using their VR headset. Recent generations have grown-up with technology in their hand. This integration of the virtual reality platform “Gadgeteer” has resulted not only in stimulating students’ interest in engineering education but also honing their technical and transversal skills, bringing them one step closer to being Engineers of the Future for Irelands manufacturing sector.

Keywords:

Engineering Education, Virtual Reality, Engineers of the Future, Curriculum Design, Innovation, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering.