Course development and assessment methods for Computer Aided Manufacturing Course

This paper presents a detailed approach to the design, development, and student evaluation of a Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) course, a core requirement in the Mechanical Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology programs at Farmingdale State College.The course uses MasterCAM, a commercial software, as the primary tool, and focuses on fundamental CAD modeling and toolpath programming.It not only covers essential software commands but also integrates best practices in machining into CNC programing, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the CNC field.The course is designed to include hands-on experience, ensuring that students gain practical skills.The paper discusses how the course materials bridge the gap between academic learning and the skills required by the industry, aligning the curriculum with typical industry settings.Various assessment methods, such as self-assessments and project-based evaluations, are outlined for evaluating student learning.Due to limited class time, executing each student's CNC program on a CNC machine may not be feasible; therefore, the paper also explores how setup sheets and simulations can be used to assess student work effectively.Both the course curriculum and assessment methods can be adaptable for in-person and asynchronous online formats, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness across different learning environments.These methods lay the groundwork for future research to analyze the effectiveness of the curriculum and assessment strategies in achieving the desired learning outcomes.