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Session 1348

Development of Multimedia Instructional Tools for Strength of Materials Jack Zecher, Justin Davis, Heather Deaton and Deric Pawlaczyk Mechanical Engineering Technology Department Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Abstract

This paper describes a series of multimedia based instructional lessons that are being developed to enhance a Strength of Materials course. Use of these lessons will help students to more rapidly understand many concepts that are difficult to describe on the printed pages of a textbook or in the traditional classroom chalkboard lecture. These computer based lessons consist of realistic images, animations of parts deforming as loads are applied, color stress contours, and simulated “pencil-on-paper solutions.” These lessons provide an alternative learning environment which can be used as a supplement to the traditional classroom. The process of how a combination of three-dimensional images, animation sequences, and audio narrations were used to create these lessons is discussed. This includes the various software packages were used and how these various multimedia components were combined and delivered.

Introduction

There are currently many areas in which computer based products are being used to improve instruction in Strength of Materials courses for engineering technology students. Several instances 1,2 involve the use of advanced analytical software tools, such as finite element analysis to allow students to perform calculations more sophisticated than those normally covered in the course. These types of computer applications provide students with the means to explore problems beyond the scope of the typical textbook; however, these tools require a large amount of time and effort in order to provide a minimal amount of beneficial instructional content.

With the advent of online courses, computers connected to the internet have been used to facilitate the distribution of course materials. Many courses are now taught where course notes and solutions to homework problems and previous exams are posted for students on the web. By eliminating barriers of time and distance, this improved distribution mechanism makes it easier to provide reference materials and examples to students. Much of the material delivered in this manner, however, is no different from that which could be photocopied and handed out in the classroom.

The project described in this paper takes advantage of the multimedia capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of material used to describe example problems. A combination

“Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Zecher, J. (2005, June), Development Of Multimedia Instructional Tools For Strength Of Materials Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14567