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Session 2220

Using the Web for Supplementation and Evaluation: A View from the Front Line Jerry C. Hamann, Bruce R. Dewey, Cheryl A. Hilman University of Wyoming

Abstract

This paper describes the use of the World Wide Web to supplement instruction in two core Freshman Engineering courses at the University of Wyoming. The structure of the information and forums provided are described as well as instructor and student response to these on-line materials.

1. Introduction

The College of Engineering at the University of Wyoming has undertaken an experiment in the utilization of World Wide Web resources in two introductory engineering classes. The Web pages provide on-line access to standard review materials such as a current course syllabus, old exams and homework solutions, while also providing an on-line forum for instructor--student, student--instructor and student--student interaction. Aspects of this forum include a “bulletin board” area to which instructors can post timely notices and provide hypertext links to supplemental information, student driven databases for establishing study groups and out-of-class contacts, as well as a feedback area to which students can post anonymous messages to the instructor. In addition, the conventional course and instructor evaluations, typically relegated to a handwritten or computer readable “bubble-sheet,” can now be completed in an anonymous, electronically summarized manner.

This paper briefly describes the features and “development costs” of the Web-based resources, investigates student reactions regarding the usefulness of the forums, and summarizes instructors' views regarding the tangible benefits derived. One of the courses involved is a required one credit hour Orientation to Engineering Study. In this case, the electronic forum enhances communication and information transfer. The other course, Introduction to Engineering Computing, seeks to introduce students to the ways in which engineers utilize computer tools. Here, the addition of Internet and Web utilization is a natural extension of the conventional applications of word processors, spreadsheets, equation solvers and drawing packages.

2. Scanning the Topic

The incorporation of Internet resources in engineering, math and science education has become a popular item of discussion at recent conferences and in educational journals and transactions. Specific topics of discussion include an introduction to the capabilities of various Internet and Web delivery mechanisms ([1]---[6]), the application of these technologies to specific courses ([7]---[13]), and software subsystems created specifically for on-line coursework presentation

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Hilman, C. A., & Dewey, B. R., & Hamann, J. (1997, June), Using The Web For Supplementation And Evaluation: A View From The Front Line Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6890