Author(s)

Shuangyuan Wang ¹, Fujia Sun ¹, Guozhen Bai ¹, Huimin Shen ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China

Corresponding Author

Fujia Sun

ABSTRACT

In the context of intelligent manufacturing, engineering education is undergoing a paradigm shift toward digitalization and interdisciplinarity. Traditional mechanical engineering courses, however, often suffer from limited interactivity, insufficient practical engagement, and outdated content. To address these challenges, this study proposes a digital twin-driven teaching reform for the "Mechanical Engineering Knowledge" course. A novel teaching framework integrating virtual–real interaction, dynamic content updating, project-based learning, and blended teaching is developed. A digital twin platform is constructed to simulate mechanical systems and enable interactive experimentation. The reform is implemented over four academic years involving 110 undergraduate students. Comparative analysis shows that students' academic performance, practical skills, and innovation capabilities are significantly improved, with course evaluation scores consistently above 90/100. The results demonstrate that digital twin technology can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice and provide a scalable model for engineering education reform.

KEYWORDS

Digital twin; engineering education; blended learning; project-based learning; intelligent manufacturing

CITE THIS PAPER

Shuangyuan Wang, Fujia Sun, Guozhen Bai, Huimin Shen. Reconstructing Mechanical Engineering Education through Digital Twin Technology: Reform and Practice of the "Mechanical Engineering Knowledge" Course. Curriculum and Teaching Methodology (2026). Vol. 9, No.2, 113-120. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/curtm.2026.090214.

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Sponsors, Associates, and Links

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• Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology
  
  
• Transactions on Comparative Education
  
  
• Applied & Educational Psychology
  
  
• Advances in Vocational and Technical Education
  
  
• Adult and Higher Education