A rocky journey toward effective assessment of visualization modules for learning enhancement in Engineering Mechanics.

摘要: Beginning in the fall of 1998 and continuing to present, an assessment study has been progress determine effectiveness visualization modules used a basic engineering class at United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). This paper discusses progression this study. Until recently, there lack content designed enhance understanding mechanics through use visualization. Therefore, area, as well quantitative establishing its effectiveness, needed. The consists web-based PowerPoint presentations abstract concepts course. Various techniques have evaluate visual content’s effectiveness. version attempted correlate too many variables resulting predominately data which was statistically insignificant. Both plan were refined based on what learned In 1999, three professors USAFA ran simultaneous studies using modules. results from produced two interesting results: 1) attitude professor presenting module can significant impact student’s reception 2) students actually disliked Based study, material again reworked. additional 1999 data, hypothesis formulated that students’ negative perception things: they not aware would help them prepare for upcoming exams, parts gave overview advanced analysis technique called finite elements intimidating 3) appeared be influenced by one professor’s order test hypothesis, 2000 reused, but link between conceptual questions exam emphasized. addition, non-essential related element removed who had chose participate latest indicate improved significantly response these changes. shows did when compared traditional lecture format. Overall, three-year project should provide others developing other with important information relevant processes.