USING GENERATIVE AI IN FIRST-YEAR MECHANICAL DESIGN
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Design Engineering, OER, CAD, Intelligent Tutoring SystemsAbstract
This paper explores the capabilities and limitations of free AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools in enhancing instructional practices and student comprehension in courses involving CAD software. Notebook LM, Chat GPT, and open educational resources (OER) are employed as learning tools within a classroom-ready framework for teaching CAD (computer-aided design) software to first-year undergraduate mechanical engineering students. Although AI cannot directly perform modelling tasks within design software, it proves to be a good tool within a procedural framework and delivers good results when used this way; its use can enhance concept explanation beyond static manuals, reduce instructor workload, support struggling students, improve design thinking, and increase the accessibility of design software for undergraduate learners.
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