Noe Vargas Hernandez researches creativity and innovation in engineering design. He studies ideation methods, journaling, smartpens, and other methods and technology to aid designers improve their creativity levels. He also applies his research to the design of rehabilitation devices (in which he has various patents under process) and design for sustainability. Dr. Richard Chiou, Drexel University Prof. Paras Mandal, University of Texas, El Paso Paras Mandal is an Assistant Professor of

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... al, manufacturing, and systems engineering at the University of Texas, El Paso. Mandal obtained a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary intelligent systems engineering. His teaching and research interests include electric power and renewable energy systems, power systems operations and markets, energy industry, artificial intelligence application to energy systems, and engineering education. He has published several peer-reviewed journal papers in the field of intelligent algorithm applications to power systems. The objective of this paper is to introduce, implement, and further enhance engineering education in cyber-based rapid manufacturing (CBRM) using a cyber Rapid Prototyping (RP) simulator and a tutor system within the established programs of Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. This paper describes a state-of-the-art cyber rapid prototyping simulator in 3D environment and a tutor system. The purpose of the cyber RP simulator is allowing the users to learn how to operate the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3000 machine in a virtual environment while the goal of the tutor system is to enhance student learning when the instructor is not available. The paper also aims at developing an effective learning model to facilitate student's learning in rapid manufacturing. Student learning from both real and virtual environment and with and without the support from the tutor system are evaluated and discussed in this paper.