CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON THE USE OF SIMULATORS IN ENGINEERING DEGREES

Resumen

In today's world, the development of simulators has enabled engineers to evaluate different scenarios, working conditions or designs quickly and efficiently. In the monitoring of complex processes where many parameters are involved and are interconnected, the use of simulators is key. Most degree programmes have started to implement simulators, however, it is key to know what students think about their use. Simulators can be understood by engineering students as a tool that allows you to design or study a particular process, however simulators are powerful calculation tools and require basic knowledge to interpret the results. In addition, simulators are a tool that allows teachers to analyse real cases in the classroom through a controlled scenario, allowing them to develop skills such as critical thinking and troubleshooting. This study evaluates the opinion of former students of the chemical, electronic and mechanical engineering degrees of the University of La Laguna on the use of simulators. In the surveys, the degree of implementation of simulators in theoretical and practical subjects was evaluated, as well as the competences and knowledge acquired by the students. The results show different degrees of implementation of simulators in each of the engineering degrees. However, the majority of graduates think that the use of simulators is positive and they would increase the implementation of simulators.