Using the thinkMOTION project resources for the teaching of mechanism and machine theory

Abstract

The thinkMOTION project, as a part of Europeana (www.europeana.eu) leads to the world’s largest free access digital library in the field of motion systems, which is very useful for all technical subjects and in particular for Mechanism and Machine Theory. The project helps to make a significant improvement in the quantity and quality of these digital contents establishing a new kind of digital library in Europeana with focus on technical knowledge. The collected material is processed and presented immediately in amultilingual interactive portal via Europeana. Hence, the techno-cultural heritage and the current developments in motion science are preserved and made accessible for a wide range of European user groups as scientists, lecturers or students. The provided interactive material leads to a deeper understanding and motivates the students to learn more about the motion systems and machine design approaches. All kinds of material are considered (e.g. books, journals, drawings, images, physical models) to establish a digital library that connects historical and recent content from different countries. Six content providers spread over Europe are part of the project consortium. The open access to high quality material of historical and recent content from different countries opens newpossibilities inmultilingual searching, browsing and using of information sources.