Applying CAD Tools in the “Project” Methodology to Enhance Learning

Abstract

In this paper we propose a complementary activity for the practical sessions which belong to the academic syllabus. The aim is offering to mechanical engineering students an insight into the work undertaken in the engineering profession through a graphic project guided by the teacher who plays an active role as monitor. The activity consists in drawing diagrams from a given mechanism and making a multimedia presentation of the work performed. For teachers, this activity is a methodological innovation which had excellent results for fulfilling the teaching objectives in engineering graphics subjects. For students, it develops as the combination of the most elemental traditional methods with cutting-edge technology for drawing their engineering projects. As a result of this activity, the dropout rate for practical sessions became lower than in previous academic years.