Utilizing Advanced Software Tools in Engineering and Industrial Technology Curriculum

Engineering and technology software tools are used by professionals and companies worldwide, and in a university setting, students are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the operation of software packages that they will be using after they join the workforce. Many classroom projects in engineering technology curriculum that require the use of advanced software tools has increased in college and universities on both undergraduate and graduate levels. Emerging virtual applications enhance understanding both theoretical and applied experiences of engineering technology students by supporting laboratory experiments. MSC.Easy5, AMESim, SolidWorks, ProE, Matlab, MultiSim and LabView TM are some of the well known system modeling, simulation and monitoring software tools that offer solutions to many problems in mechanical, thermal, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, electronics, controls, instrumentation and data acquisition areas. These virtual tools also help to improve the learning pace and knowledge level of students in many applied subjects. This paper presents case studies used in applied class projects, laboratory activities, and capstone senior design projects for a B.S. degree program in electrical engineering technology and manufacturing/design technology. Many students have found software tools to be helpful and user friendly in understanding fundamentals of physical phenomena.