Animations and simulations of engineering software: Towards intelligent tutoring systems

Abstract

The main objective of the paper is to present the state of art in the field of engineering software instruction and training. There are various approaches how to teach someone how to use an application. In the simplest illustrative approach training attempts to illustrate each screen and describe each task what is hardly possible in the case of complicated CAD/CAE software. An alternative is an exploration approach in which during training user can be asked to look at various functions. In many opinions the most effective way to learn software is scenario-based approach. Major types of authoring tools used for software simulations are described and discussed. Finally there are raised some open questions concerning costs of e-Learning and so called Civil Engineering Crisis. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.