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oa Developments in the provision of chemical engineering teaching and training to industry and academia
- Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
- Source: QScience Proceedings, Engineering Leaders Conference 2014 on Engineering Education, Aug 2015, Volume 2015, 33
Abstract
The last few years have seen rapid development in computer and computer-type hardware, the availability of the internet, and software that can support materials that have been developed in a large number of different formats for different platforms. Consequently, training providers are no longer restricted to the provision of training courses that have be delivered in a face-to-face environment, and can use materials that are accessible across a number of hardware platforms. The development of these new hardware platforms, more flexible and faster communication methods, and software that can exploit these new technologies, offers new opportunities in the engineering training sector. In addition, engineers are rapidly becoming conversant with these new technologies, and consequently are expecting to be able exploit them to their advantage in the training arena. This paper examines both the hardware and software technologies that are being used by universities with considerable experience in this field - The University of Manchester, UK (UoM) and the University of Pannonia. Hungary (UP) for the provision of chemical engineering training in the industrial sector. The CPI2 research and teaching has been modelled as an EC Marie Currie Chair of Excellence project on the UoM long term experience and achievements. In addition, the paper looks towards future provision of training courses in light of the most recent developments that are available. These include internet based technologies which are being used to host virtual learning environments and now able to support many learning based activities such as discussion boards and a variety of teaching and learning materials. Communication technologies, such as webinars, are evaluated in relation to flexibility and usability. And finally, different hardware platforms are considered as a possible replacement for the ubiquitous computer.
