Abstract:

After the 90s, the Romanian education dynamic has come to a new dimension. Traditional learning methods used in engineering often produce engineers with problems of integrating the theoretical and practical knowledge. They have difficulties translating what they learn in the classroom into corporate practice. There is a great lack in the practical knowledge of new graduates as well as correlation problems in communication skills.

This paper aims to introduce experimental learning into the methodology of engineering education and provides students with the opportunity to perceive the real production environment. In this environment they are challenged to apply the theoretical knowledge to solving the operational problems of real companies. In this context, the realization of assisted training programs in any form of education becomes a very important thing. Experience gained in leading universities and other research centers identifies key points that are essential in building a computer assisted material. Their success lies in the marriage between the real context, technology and teachers. The context of the real world enables the connections between the theoretical knowledge and the concrete problems to be solved.

Introducing eLearning methods in engineer education will improve not only practical knowledge but also communication skills and leadership training.

The paper aims to develop and implement simulation and tutorials for mechanical engineering students using Object Oriented Programming, Object or Distributed Databases, Design and Assisted Manufacturing (CAD / CAM). The limitation to present the CAD drawings in static state does not improve the understanding if this is not animated or presented in parallel with the real thing or object. The limitations of traditional education in terms of the ability to translate the knowledge learned in the actual manufacturing environment are being sought to be compensated by multimedia means adapted to computer presentations.

In order to produce timely deliverables to the company, the student must quickly connect problems and laboratory work to understanding the issues and relationships across the enterprise. This process moves the student away from a simple "visit" that can identify the real manufacturing issues that are filmed in the real-world context of the enterprise or simulated by virtual manufacturing programs.

The direct connection of the student with the staff of the workshops can be done by recording interviews where the student can identify the real problems faced by the production environment. At the same time this develops communication skills by working with partners of the partner company.

Many companies want to have such collaborations in the facilities they carry out their activities. Improvements in the context of production imagery and easy image manipulation make it easy to keep up with the teaching materials very easily. Multimedia objects allow easy image replacement as the technique evolves.
Thus, the increase of competencies prepares the student and master and for faster and better integration into the real production environment and research.

Keywords:

Tutorials, e-learning courses, engineering students.