Project-based learning: An integration of real-world project in a 3D design class

Abstract

With the explosion of new practices in teaching pedagogies to prepare students to be better skilled in technical fields, it is essential to conduct a course to keep pace with the flood of innovations. In some circumstances and practiced traditionally, students learn from reading a textbook and working through its examples to conceptualize a subject domain. However; it is important to bring real-world projects into a classroom and allow students to experience a true problem-solving task. This paper will present a real-world project that was implemented in a 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) product design class where students solved a problem given from a company. This active project-based learning experience and curriculum design allows students to see beyond textbook examples and permits them to build a strong foundation in communication skills, engineering design, project implementation, project analysis and assessment. It enables students to not only apply theories but also interact with actual technology and enables them to learn from hands on experiences.