Developing and assessing engineering-based modules for a freshman engineering class

Most freshman engineering students at our University take precalculus (MATH 147) as their first math course. These students are strongly encouraged to take a companion course called Engineering with Precalculus (ENGR 110). ENGR 110 is intended to familiarize new students with the University, reinforce math concepts, and introduce diverse fields of engineering. For the Fall 2007 semester, interactive computer simulations were created using the modeling programs Working Model2D™ and MDSolids™^1,2, to introduce and reinforce topics and skills associated with of the four engineering specialties (Civil, Electrical, Materials Science, and Mechanical) offered at our University. A specific assessment strategy, including administration of the Gregorc Style Delineator™³, was created to benchmark the effectiveness of the simulations and to facilitate their continuous improvement. Results indicate that students liked using the simulations and considered them to be enjoyable learning supplements. Students also felt that the simulations improved their confidence to take future engineering courses and were willing to use more simulations in their academic careers. There was no significant correlation between dominant learning styles of the students and their perceptions of the simulations. Therefore, adaptations based upon learning styles may not be needed for effective use of simulations in learning environments similar to ENGR 110.