Development of an e-learning system for automation technology education

Traditionally, automation engineering education is one of the hardest education program to teach online because of the need for providing practice and hands-on experiences at a distance. Currently, practical training is still applied on the shop floor to discipline students to empower them with practical experience. How to build up students' practice ability through an e-learning system is an important research issue. To address such issue, this study developed an interactive semantic web based Virtual Reality (VR) system to enhance students' practice abilities. Four kinds of manufacturing technology are established in this system: turning, milling, spraying, and laser marking. This system allows students to select different process parameters to view entire manufacturing processes in real time. This study reports the development such VR e-learning system in teaching automation technology courses. It also discusses how the e-learning system enhances the quality, scale, and breadth of technological education. This study has opened up an opportunity of change to the traditional practical training method. It demonstrates a great enhancement in teaching effectiveness through the use of ICT technologies.