Multimedia Technology Supporting Manufacturing Education

Accredited programs in manufacturing engineering technology stress hands on applications and problem solving using the computer as a tool. The computers found in technology laboratories come in many different forms directed at solving a particular problem, developing and documenting a product design, controlling a process or machine, or even helping to manage the business side of the operation. Students learn to program and operate many different computer based applications. The computer is rarely used in manufacturing classes as a teaching tool or as an aid to the instructor, other than in the basic applications of word processing and spreadsheet programs. The powerful computers in manufacturing labs are not often used to improve the teaching or learning activities of manufacturing technology classes.