Web Page Creation As An Alternative To Written Reports In An Advanced Manufacturing Course

As a part of an undergraduate advanced manufacturing processes course, students are required to perform in-depth research into an assigned manufacturing process. Over the past three semesters, students have presented their results in the form of a web site rather than in wr itten format. The assignment gives students the opportunity to gain detailed knowledge of a process, to work with a classmate in a team effort, and to experience creation of an alternative means of communication. Each semester, the students were surveyed on their experience with this format versus previous experience with paper-based team reports. This paper provides the results regarding the effectiveness of the assignment in terms of teamwork, creativity, and learning.