Increasing interest in mechanics education using on-line tools
Thomas Webster (Northeastern University)
Mechanics Education
Mon 10:45 - 12:15
RI Hall 108
There has been an increasing trend towards using on-line tools as a supplement or replacement of face-to-face education. This talk will summarize various on-line tools that have been used to increase student interest in mechanics or engineering education. Specifically, efforts have focused on developing asynchronous web sites which guide learners through fundamental and applied material science concepts. Students are also asked to complete several design projects (on-line including using nanomaterials to build an elevator to space). Benefits and pitfalls of teaching via on-line tools will be discussed as well as student surveys concerning the web tools developed. Overall, thoughts of how to effectively use on-line tools will be presented.