Luis Vargas-Mendoza

The objective of the research discussed in this article was to identify the educational and technological factors that favourably affect the learning of mechanical design by engineering students. A Web site was created to assemble educational materials; namely, notes, videos, widgets and on-line examinations. To study its effect, a qualitative exploratory research case methodology was followed. The impact of technological factors was assessed, viz. ICT management, connectivity and usability; and educational factors assessed included use of real situations, creative thinking, collaborative work. A final competency assessment was made. It was found that this combination improves the speed of calculation, promotes the optimisation of the designs, takes the cognitive process to higher levels in the development of disciplinary and transversal competencies and increases the interest of the student in mechanical design.

Performance and authentic assessment is presented in this article as an option to promote the development of the skills specified in a mechanical engineering course. The study was conducted from a qualitative research perspective for a group of 22 students in their final semesters in a course on the design and simulation of machine elements. A performance rubric was designed to estimate progress and provide feedback. Among the main results was that performance levels, some of them higher than expected, could be detected, allowing students to appreciate in detail their progress in proficiency levels related to skills required for graduation. In this article, the process of designing the assessment is discussed, and its scope in determining learning outcomes.