Improving the Student Competency of the “Modeling and Computation Process” Course by Using Open Source Application.

Computational Process Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: sbudisas@live.undip.ac.id

Abstract

One of the student outcome based on ABET is the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools (in this case is engineering software) necessary for engineering practice. The problem is how the process of student centered learning so that the learning outcome of the “Modeling and computation process” subject can be achieved especially analysis process using modern engineering software. The first problem is commercial software applications have limitations due to high prices and limited amounts and usage time. The second problem is pasive student caused of one-way learning. The first problem is solve by utilisation of the open source software, that is “scilab” and “COCO”. The blended learning method is used to minimize the second problem, that is combination of face-to-face learning in the class, distance learning which use the “edmodo”, and accompaniment learning by senior student in the computation laboratory. The results of the active learning are increasing the ability of the student to apply equipment design and process system, improving soft skill outcome such as team work, communication, time management, thinking criticaly and analysing effectively.