Computer-aided learning and assessment: the natural partner for project-based learning

There are significant pressures on higher education in Australia: continually reducing funding per student in real terms, an exponential growth in the knowledge base and growth in complexity of the problems that engineers face. Students need more project work to allow them to develop real engineering expertise (as opposed to engineering knowledge and skills). Project-based learning is aided by ready access to good online materials that can help students acquire basic skills and that will allow them to test their basic competency. It's time that we shared these learning resources across the sector (both nationally and internationally). Specifically, we should identify existing good online materials and make them readily available. We should develop, if necessary, good online assessment so that students can test their skills at any time, without waiting for end of semester exams.