APPLICATION OF A COMBINED METHODOLOGY FOR POSTGRADUATE LASER MATERIAL PROCESSING EDUCATION

Currently, postgraduate programs are becoming more specific and need to be redesigned in order to achieve the maximum impact on the society. First, it is necessary to mention the adaptation to new methodologies and global education areas, such as European Higher Education Area (EHEA). On the other hand, the students demand more flexible structures and self learning tools in order to make easier and more reliable self learning structures.

Therefore, this paper presents a methodology based on a combination of virtual education tools, specific seminars and LATHEM freeware software combination for the teaching of Laser Material Processing subject on a postgraduate program. The described methodology was used in the subject “Laser Applications on Manufacturing "during the 2008-2009 course with satisfactory results.

In short, this is an integrated approach to learning the use of lasers in industrial applications through a combination of virtual teaching methods and tools for self-learning.