Engineering in industry applies high performance
computer systems in which advanced object description,
simulation, and knowledge representation ensures including
theoretically and methodologically backgrounder work. This
scenario is one of the first possibilities to connect the
academic characteristics of higher education and the
practical problem solving characteristics of industrial
engineering.
Realization of higher education processes in computer
systems started at early times of the Internet. As an
engineering relevant work, [1] reports experience with a
structured problem-based learning approach to the teaching
of an introductory study module on heat transfer in a
graduate program. In [2], it is emphasized that many
university students and faculties make only limited formal
academic use of information and communication technology.
Computer technology applications mirror limited, linear, and
rigid terms and not the recently demanded creative,
productive, and empowering uses. Virtual university related
research and teaching program development projects are
around topics of cyberspace based campus and learning
community as well as virtual classroom [3].
The authors of this paper studied an earlier published
model for higher education courses. This model [4] applies
advanced methods from the practice of engineering modeling
systems such as object model with knowledge based
parameter definition, modification features as building
elements of model, and hierarchic structure. The proposed
approach and method are characterized as virtual in virtual,
referring an integration of virtual engineering and virtual
classroom techniques by a virtual communication system
called as Internet [4]. The feature driven associative
characteristic of this course modeling is explained in [5].
Issues about the conceptualized application oriented virtual
course features are discussed in that paper as a contribution
to implementation in engineering environment.
The authors of this paper considered the above cited
method as a possible way for the development of higher
education courses and made analyses in order to reveal
suitability of this model for the practical application [6]. In
[7], they introduced some key issues in computer modeling
of higher education courses considering recent demands and
structures and analyzed the definition and application
organizing activities for the control of course definition and
course program execution processes.
In this paper, a scenario is aimed to summarize current
conditions for integration of higher education and
engineering modeling processes considering recent changes
in both of these areas. Paper starts with an outline of supports
for education programs in a computer system. Following
this, teaching, projects, and problem solving are discussed in
education program. Next, course description, elements of
higher education process, and main connections of industrial
instruction are explained in a practice oriented context.
Finally, integrating product modeling with course modeling
is sketched and concluded.