Virtual Lab Simulator in Mechanical Engineering Education-Hybrid Approach

Abstract

Many universities worldwide are partially disrupting their education by the spread of the coronavirus. Consequently, the Universities took the necessary steps to change their teaching methods to online laboratory experiments and workshops. However, universities should continue to maintain their higher education standards and provide a high-quality student experience required for the learning outcomes associated with each degree program. Adhering to online teaching methods for both theory and practical lectures has created a challenge in education. The discussion of the theory lessons by showing PPTs and video presentations was comfortable for students. In addition to that, virtual labs came into existence. These virtual labs had a significant impact on students' learning process, but this did not apply to all labs. This paper projects the outcome of the virtual lab using the explicit dynamic analysis application in solid works software and integration of AR & VR teaching techniques. This paper also includes the work done by the students and the effective outcome utilization of virtual labs compared with practical labs by using mild steel specimens.