A General Methodology for Engineering Education Using the Internet

Washington Braga, Pontifícia Universidade do Rio de Janeiro, PUC-Rio, Mechanical Engineering Department, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22453-900, Brazil, [email protected] Abstract  The general methodology described herein was designed to enhance engineering education through the use of Internet and has been implemented with success. Although it uses resources and techniques normally implemented on distance-education courses, the methodology is centered on the fundamental role that teacher and instructors have in youth education, usually transmitted through eye-to-eye contact. It has therefore been developed to support presential classes. Intensive (but not exclusive) use is made of Web resources to deliver content. For instance, the egroups collaborative message system is used to foster communication between students themselves and the instructor, thus creating a collaborative environment. Group work is frequently encouraged but attention is also directed to individual learning through challenging questions and examinations proposed on a monthly basis. Java applets are used to develop selfevaluation tests and online tutorials, allowing student to analyze their learning progress individually. Spreadsheets, computer programs and the like are available, developed according to Bloom's learning objectives.