Developing a new interactive simulation environment with Macromedia Director for teaching applied dimensional metrology

The purpose of this paper is to describe the objectives, methodology and structure of a virtual didactic environment developed by the educational research group New Teaching Methodologies in Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing at the Technical University of Madrid, designed to carry out dimensional metrology practical lessons. This development has allowed teaching to be focused on the student in a DE-learning (driven electronic learning) environment capable of efficiently replacing the traditional method based on master classes and practical hands-on experience with real equipment. In fact, the developed environment directs and assists students, step by step, in their practical experience, proving dynamic and interactive through the use of animations, video and audio contributions, connections with hypertexts and simulations. The model presented in this work seeks a progressive adaptation to the new training paradigms, incorporating emerging communication technologies so that students can harness an even greater role that has hitherto been untapped, hence approaching one of the objectives in the Bologna process. The project has been undertaken entirely with the software house Macromedia: Director MX 2004 and Flash MX 2004, which has afforded the creation of a multimedia application with animations of the highest quality. Scripting languages (Lingo, JavaScript and ActionScript) have likewise been incorporated, permitting the evolution of even more complex elements for user interaction. The project has been undertaken in Spanish and English with a view to meeting the communication needs of students in a multicultural environment, in harmony with the framework program for didactic strategies in the European Higher Education Area.

► Autonomy in the pace of learning.
► Objective assessment of the acquired knowledge base through continuous evaluation.
► Possible collaborative and active work.
► Possible interactive simulation with integrated development of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises.
► Teaching oriented to learning.