New aspects in modeling of internet-based courses for engineers

Working in virtual environments at leading industries in highly integrated and experience driven engineering systems demands new knowledge and skill from engineers. At the same time, engineering has been extended to the entire lifecycle of products. Finally, physical prototyping is being replaced by integrated simulations where this is possible. The above new trends require re-evaluation of teaching engineers. This paper gives a practice oriented outline of a concept for virtual classroom changed to fulfill the above demands. In the centre of discussion, higher importance of virtual classrooms in the near future is emphasized including higher level of integration with professional engineering systems As a main step towards virtual courses on the basis of strong information technology background, a more organized data structure than the currently applied is demanded. The authors of this paper are engaged with analysis in practical application of these descriptions for enhanced computer support in higher education. In this paper, they introduce some basic concepts for advanced modeling of interrelated classroom objects. One of the most important concerns towards a better organized course description is definition of organized activities for course handling systems. The authors analyzed the definition and application organizing activities for the control of course definition and course program execution processes. Following this, typical processes including sequences of typical activities in the course of teaching and learning in the virtual classroom environment are introduced. Finally, a possible integrated implementation of course modeling is outlined for the support of education in engineering.