A Study on Integration of Computer Assisted Instruction with a Traditional Teaching Learning Process in the Area of Mechanical Engineering Education

This study presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a CAL package included in the teaching and learning methodology of CAD-CAM-CNC modules at Sheikh Khalefa Institute in Bahrain. The CAL package contains CAD tutorial, CAM tutorial and Power Point slides for CNC operations. The study has been carried in response to internal departmental audit which highlighted some issues which need to be dealt within the subject area of Mechanical engineering.

Three groups of students with similar pre-abilities (similar average marks and standard
deviations) were exposed to different teaching methodologies:
a) Traditional classroom lectures and laboratory sessions;
b) Classroom teaching including unsupervised computer simulation (hybrid learning approach)
c) Unsupervised CAD tutorials and supervised CAM-CNC computer simulation
The effectiveness of these three methods was determined by questionnaires (data collection
methods) completed by Lecturers and students. Their answers were analysed from quantitative
and qualitative points of view. The questionnaires were designed by taking into consideration the issues of reliability, validity and bias and concentrating on specific research questions. The Lecturers' questionnaires aim to find out Lecturers’ opinions about the various aspects of educational process. The students’ questionnaires intend to ascertain how well the CAD-CAMCNC modules meet the stated learning outcomes and to identify the main strengths and
weaknesses of various methods.

The students were assessed at the end of the term based on an engraving operation task which includes all elements of CAD-CAM-CNC operations. The author links the levels of cognition from Blooms’ taxonomy with the activities which should be completed by students. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of students’ marks versus learning ability indicators was performed and the results have been discussed.

The second evaluation method is based on quantitative analysis of the three groups of
students’ marks for assignments and exams. Also an analysis of time and material resources is
performed and the main conclusion was that the group of students taught with a combination of
CAL package and traditional method were more effective, efficient and satisfied with their
learning experiences. So the proposed hybrid learning method (CAI plus traditional teaching
method) is most suited for CAD-CAM-CNC teaching because the students find it easier and enjoyable to explore the subject area through various opportunities of learning.