Systems Approach

• Technical Education Using "Systems Approach".

In the traditional approach to technical education subjects like electrical principles, mechanical principles, hydraulic and pneumatic principles are taught separately.
Because of the isolation of these fields from each other, there is little appreciation or understanding of the relationships and interdependencies between them. Even a final capstone course which attempts to tie the three fields of technology together often cannot convey fully the skills necessary to work effectively with complex mechatronic systems. Under the System Approach, students learn about the complexities of the system in a holistic fashion. This means that from the very first day, they are confronted with a complete complex system and learn about the various parts of the system by examining their roles in the system, always keeping the “big picture” in view. Starting at the macro level, students first see the full system and learn about its function. From there they go into one of the system modules, examining the components contained within the module and their inter-relationships with one another.

• This means that the students will have the chance to work on an entire complex Mechatronics system on the one hand but will also have to divide the system into modules and go into specific details on the other hand. They will learn how to troubleshoot a system and as a result they will be able to program, commission, and troubleshoot the complex system themselves.

   

• As a result, students learn how to work their way into and through a new system, and by means of the troubleshooting strategies which they learn, they are able to transfer their knowledge and expertise easily to another system.

   

• This makes for a worker who is flexible, autonomous and professional in his or her dealings with such complex systems.