Animated instructional media for stress transformations in a Mechanics of Materials course

Abstract

Two unique instructional modules-the Plane Stress TransformationsModule and the Mohr's Circle for Plane Stress Module-developed for the Mechanics of Materials course are presented. Formative assessment data gathered from Mechanics of Materials students pertaining to these courseware modules are presented and discussed. General conclusions and recommendations are presented. ß

Simulation games in engineering education: A state‐of‐the‐art review

“…Thus the object oriented principles of reuse and inheritance must be considered while designing and developing such applications. Further research is required for assessing the relationship between student learning and the use of computer-based games [4]. There is a need to develop new methods and procedures using computer medium for instruction to integrate these alternative and supplementary instructional tools into the overall teaching and learning effort.…”

“…The games assist students make decisions in a multidimensional environment, * Problem-based: These games allow students to try several approaches depending on the assumptions made. [17] Business ethics Computer based Problem -based [18] Child development Non-computerized Mini-case [19] Interviewing skills Non-computerized Exercise-based [20] Laboratory management Computer based Drill and exercise [21] Medical Computer based Problem-based HEART-SENSE Game [22] Medical Computer based Drill-based Spectrum game [23] Physics Computer based Drill-based [25] Physics Computer based Problem-based Frantic Physics [24] Physics and calculus Computer based Drill-type Tic-Tac-Toe game [24] Mathematics Computer based Exercise-based [37] Computer security Computer based Drill-based SimSE [39] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based SESAM [40] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based [41] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based Project Manager [42] Information systems Computer based Mini-case based KM QUEST [43] Information systems Computer based Problem-based [38] Computer protocols Non-computerized Drill-based MagicBlocks [11] Digital logic Computer based Drill-based Konane [44] Artificial intelligence Non-computerized Drill-based Industrial Waste game [70] Environmental engineering Non-computerized Exercise-based Educational water quality management game [6] Environmental engineering Computer based Problem-based Learning Sustainable Development [13] Environmental engineering Non-computerized Exercise-based Internet-based Interactive Construction Management Learning System [32] Civil engineering Computer based Drill-based [33] Civil engineering Computer based Problem-based [12] Engineering graphics Computer based Drill-based [4] Engineering mechanics Computer based Drill-based [54] System dynamics Computer based Problem-based [50] Thermodynamics Computer based Drill-based [51] Thermodynamics Computer based Drill-based …”

“…* They provide students an opportunity to face the consequences of the results of the decisions taken or process applied and not just be an observer [13]. * They make repetition and drill on a specific topic more enjoyable, thus allowing the student to develop proficiency in a given area [4]. * They have increasing range of difficulty to challenge the student to develop to a more advanced level of comprehension [12].…”

“…Engineering Mechanics. Philpot et al [4,49] developed several computer-based games, which are used in the statics and mechanics of material courses. These games are intended to help students grasp fundamental concepts and basic calculations in these courses.…”

“…Using animations, graphics, and an interactive environment, the instructional media can be designed to engage and stimulate students to effectively explain and illustrate course topics, and to build problem-solving skills [4]. By accounting for their success and mistakes in a simulated environment, students will be motivated to accept personal responsibility for their decisions.…”