Repensando la programación como formación práctica en Ingeniería: Un estudio de caso en primer año.

This paper presents an experience carried out within the curricular activity "Introduction to Mechanical Engineering" of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Statistics of the National University of Rosario, Argentina. This subject propose a workshop as pedagogical framework, emphasizing practical training in the context of current Latin American policies which aim to strength engineering education. In this context, the realization of an integrative final project was proposed, with the aim to introduce students to the resolution of open engineering problems, simulating a simple mechanical system in a block programming environment. From an exploratory case study with mixed methodology, the article presentsan analysis of this pilot experience, delving into the ways in which participants approached the proposed problem and identifying issues arising from the construction of the simulation. The results showed the achievement of the workshop goals and the potential of programming to strengthen the skills linked to practical teaching. On the other hand, the improvement of other aspects such as group work, together with self-learning, introduce initial changes in students' problem-solving habits. In summary, the experience provides evidence on the potential of the workshop modality to include technologies within the practical training of future engineers, allowing the development of different skills highlighted by current university policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]