Web-based training for microsystem technologies and design

The application of microtechnologies for microelectronical/micromechanical systems (MEMS or microsystems) requires continuous training-on-the-job for the staff involved in this task, as innovation cycles in this field are fairly short and fabrication processes, involved materials and resources are under steady development. Conventional classroom courses are too expensive and time consuming to be useful in this context, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with tight time and budget constraints. Funded by the European Commission the TRANSTEC project (MM1026) provides a novel concept of Internet-based multimedia training courses for microtechnologies and design. TRANSTEC courses use the pedagogic concept of "Learning by Engineering": i.e., except pure multimedia teaching units (including text, pictures, video and animations) access to professional design software across the Internet is provided.