Because we realize engineers design and build systems and products, workshops/learning laboratories are key to the productive CDIO learning environment. In the CDIO Initiative, workshop and learning laboratory experiences support the theory-to-practice progression.
Experiences in conceiving, designing, implementing and operating are woven into the curriculum. Workshops/learning laboratories support many of the modes of active and hands-on learning including experimentation, social interaction, team building and team activity.
Since conceiving, designing, implementing and operating is the context of education, workshops and lab environments are organized around C, D, I and O as follows:
Conceive spaces are largely technology-free zones that encourage interpersonal interaction, and include team and personal spaces conducive to reflection and conceptual development.
Facilities introduce students to digitally enhanced collaborative design and allow them to implement fabrication and hardware/software integration. While it is challenging to teach operation in an academic setting, many CDIO collaborators have set up environments in which students operate their own experiments and perform faculty-generated class experiments. Simulations of real operations and digital links to real operations environments supplement experiences.
Visit CDIO Collaborators for the resources and support you need to implement a CDIO program — from handouts to acquaint faculty, administrators, and students with CDIO, to online curriculum materials that can help you teach elements of the CDIO syllabus.
CDIO Initiative experts are available to help you to adapt, implement, and maintain a CDIO program. The CDIO team includes experienced individuals who can assist you with everything from stakeholder surveys, to assessment studies, to partnering with other CDIO adopters.