CAD in engineering education: Getting the balance right

Many engineering technology programmes use industry-standard computer-aided design (CAD) tools to enhance traditional teaching methods and to provide students with the necessary CAD skills as required by industry. In addition, technology driven initiatives such as e-learning and virtual laboratories provide the educator with an exciting range of tools and instruments intended to bring about a deeper understanding of complex phenomena. These tools are commonly used in conjunction with traditional classroom lecturers, laboratory sessions and demonstrations. This paper investigates the range of CAD / e-learning tools available to students and the impact that these initiatives have had within an electrical engineering technology programme.