A student learning environment without the overhead? Reviewing costs and benefits of CAL within a manufacturing course

This paper begins with a brief discussion of the current drivers within higher education and their impact and influence on the learning process. The requirements for an effective infrastructure at the class level are described, with specific links made to the use of computer-aided learning/assessment, effectiveness and efficiency. The paper goes on to describe the authors' experience of using Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) and Computer-Aided Assessment (CAA) in several linked classes over a number of years and to review them in terms of costs, benefits and efficiency.