Project Grant 2142051

This $255,043 National Science Foundation project grant supports the development of a virtual and active learning approach to digital manufacturing education at Georgia Tech. Specifically, the awardee will create a new undergraduate digital manufacturing course for virtual learning environments incorporating active learning approaches. Different types of virtual-based, hands-on learning experiences for manufacturing will be designed and piloted, including virtual training simulators for embedded systems for cybermanufacturing. Course materials will be disseminated nationally. The awardee will also evaluate materials for facilitating learning of concepts fundamental to digital manufacturing through virtual active learning environments. This work aims to improve student engagement, retention of core concepts, and self-efficacy regarding transformative advances in manufacturing productivity through digital technologies. The funding supports the NSF STEM Education program's goal of ensuring the vitality of the Nation's science, technology, engineering and mathematics education enterprise (CFDA 47.076).