The following article is a component of the May 1998 (vol. 50, no. 5) JOM and is presented as JOM-e. Such articles appear exclusively on the web and do not have print equivalents.

The Use of Multimedia in Developing Undergraduate Engineering Courses

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION THE MODULE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS INSTRUCTIONAL PRESENTATION Building on an Image Equations Text Photographs and Graphics Video and Animation Interface Design and User Interactivity MODULE EVALUATION CONCLUSIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bibliography

Funded by the National Science Foundation and the University of Minnesota's Center for Interfacial Engineering and Department of Civil Engineering, the Multidisciplinary Engineering Curriculum Development project at the University of Minnesota has been developing interactive computer-based modules targeted for use by universities and industry since 1993. One facet of the project is the development of multimedia teaching modules for core undergraduate engineering courses. Initial efforts have been directed at the development of multimedia modules for a basic fluid engineering course; the wider scope of the project will include more interactive problems and simulations based on real-world scenarios. The objective is to develop materials that will enhance lectures and laboratory exercises. This article outlines the framework used to develop the fluid mechanics modules, highlighting our educational multimedia design process and philosophy.

INTRODUCTION

A collaborative effort among engineers, instructional designers, editors, and multimedia developers, the MECD project's goal is to produce interactive courseware equivalent to subjects covered in a semester course on fluid mechanics. The modules can be used to supplement courses or can be used independently by students. Although the development of fluid mechanics concepts requires a structured, sequential presentation, the computer's ability to present concepts visually and demonstrate the dynamic flow of processes can significantly enhance the learning experience. The content contained within the modules is intended to provide students with a theoretical knowledge base that will enhance their ability to apply concepts in a variety of situations.

Table I. Fluids Modules Currently in Development
Modules
Static Pressure	Pressure is introduced and defined, simple pressure measuring techniques are discussed, the concepts of gage and absolute pressure are introduced, and the forces on submerged surfaces are examined.
Buoyancy	Buoyancy forces are investigated and the stability of floating is examined.
Nature of Flow	Flow properties, methods of flow visualization, and descriptive terms for fluid behavior are presented.
Continuity	The concept of a control volume is outlined, and the mass continuity equation is developed.
Energy	Types of energy in a flowing fluid are presented, the energy is derived, and the concepts of energy and hydraulic gradelines are defined.
Momentum	The momentum equation in a flowing fluid is developed and applied to various problems.
Boundary Layers	Basic features of a boundary layer are introduced. Laminar and turbulent boundary layer character are explored.
Drag and Lift	The concepts of pressure drag and lift are introduced, and real-world examples are presented.
Flow in Conduits	Flow in pipes and conduits is examined, and the role of the friction factor is explored.
Interactive Exercises
Whale Tank	Exercises that develop knowledge of pressure on a submerged surface.
System-Flow Line	Exercise that tests skill in identifying appropriate EGL and HGL of a flow system.
Introduction To Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Lab 1: Fluid Properties	Fluid properties—density and specific gravity, kinematic and absolute viscosity, and surface tension—are measured.
Lab 2: Velocity and Pressure	Velocity profile, volumetric flow rate, and position of mean velocity are determined for air flowing through a pipe.
Lab 3: Bernoulli Equation	Volumetric flow rate in a pipe is calculated using a Venturi meter or stagnation tube. Coefficient of velocity for the Venturi meter is determined and plotted versus the Reynolds number.
Lab 4: Sluice Gate	Volumetric flow rate is determined, and the force on a gate is calculated using the pressure profile and conservation of momentum.
Lab 5: Free Jet	Volumetric flow rate is measured, and the force of a jet of water on a plate is found by using a momentum beam balance.
Lab 6: Pipe Friction	The resistance coefficient, f, is determined for laminar flow of oil and turbulent flow of water in pipes.

The modules are currently being disseminated via CD-ROM, with plans to adapt the modules for access via the World Wide Web. Currently, the courseware consists of ten modules covering topics ranging from fluid statics to boundary layers. In addition to the modules, a laboratory simulation has also been developed. This simulation consists of six sections with experiments covering measurements of basic fluid properties, pressure and velocity measurements, applications of the Bernoulli equation, applications of the momentum equation, and pipe friction. The fluids modules currently in development are shown in Table I.

The modules are targeted at students enrolled in undergraduate-level fluid mechanics courses. By using an active learning approach, instructional technology can benefit students of varying backgrounds and skill levels. They are able to view the same information from several perspectives, strengthening connections and transferability. Currently, the module development includes the re-evaluation of content and graphics and the implementation of new interface features allowing the modules to be used as reference resources. Specifically, companies can use the compact disk as a training tool to quickly provide a basic understanding of fluid engineering processes.

THE MODULE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Another iteration by content specialists follows to ensure the accuracy of graphics. When the content has passed this quality-control checkpoint, the module is then programmed into the final navigational interface. Feedback is solicited from end-users and faculty and is then synthesized and used to revise the modules accordingly. The advantage of this approach to development is that it leads to a high level of product consistency, in both content and visual presentation, which is essential for sustaining a user's attention in such a technical subject area.

Figure 1. The module design process.

In order to maintain a consistent look within and across modules, specific design guidelines were established. The use of these guidelines is facilitated through the use of a computer-based template and paper-based handouts. Any specialists beginning to create storyboards within the authoring software for a subject matter are required to use the computer-based template for authoring. The template consists of blank screens embedded in the basic navigational structure.

The project programmer provides an initial orientation to using the template. Reinforcement is provided via handouts, which contain screen grabs of palettes that specify particular color use (e.g., a particular blue for water and tan for oil). Some of the design specifications include consistent font sizes for each aspect of content contained in a module; the application of bold, arrows, and colored text for emphasis; formatting of equations, graphics, and graphic labels; and the use of sub- and superscript.

Authoring, graphic, and technical software is used to create a module. Each software is used to perform a specific function in the development of the modules. The primary development software used by the MECD project includes Authorware Professional for module authoring; Macromedia Director for creating animations; MathType for the development of equations and formulas; and SuperPaint, Canvas, DeBabelizer, etc., to create graphics.

INSTRUCTIONAL PRESENTATION

Building on an Image

a	b
c	d
	Figure 2. An example of the image building concept from the module on boundary layers. The screen animates (a and b) the results of a flat plate immersed in a flowing fluid, then (c and d) highlights the laminar part of the boundary layer. (e) Students are then asked to select the correct velocity profile.
e

An example of a typical image build is provided in Figure 2. This example is taken from the introduction on the module on boundary layers. The opening screen animates what happens when a flat plate is immersed in a flowing fluid (Figures 2a and 2b). A click of the "Continue" button highlights the laminar part of the boundary layer (Figures 2c and 2d). A further click engages the student by asking them to make a choice of the correct velocity profile. Clicking on the correct image provides positive reinforcement and some explanation (Figure 2e). Incorrect choices provide feedback and guidance, and allow users to make another choice.

Equations

An example involving the derivation of the Bernoulli equation is shown in the screen sequences in Figure 3. As the user clicks the "Continue" button, relevant parts of the equations cancel and appropriate substitutions are made. Note that substitutions and cancellations are carried out dynamically between each of the screens shown in Figure 3.

a	b
c	d
Figure 3. An example of the use of photographs in the image-building modules. Here, a Venturi meter is shown in a discussion on deriving the Bernoulli equation.

Text

Photographs and Graphics

Graphics are used extensively to convey and clarify concepts. They can be used alone or as overlays on photographs to highlight particular areas. Many times portions of the equipment may not be easily seen within a photograph, and the drawings can help to clarify these regions. Graphic drawings are particularly helpful in showing where dials or switches are located—for example, the pressure taps on a Venturi meter (see Figure 3). Once the drawing overlay has been created, a graphic representation is used in place of the photograph. This allows different parts of the equipment to be manipulated and moved on screen.

Another strategy for using graphics to represent equipment is to cut away the outer shell to show the interior. With the actual equipment this is not always feasible (e.g., showing the interior of a Pitot tube and how the static and stagnation pressure taps are separated within the main tube). This cutaway feature is illustrated in Figure 4.

a	b	c
Figure 4. An example of the cutaway features used to show the interior of equipment.

Video and Animation

Figure 5 is an example QuickTime video (click on it to play) that illustrates the nature of laminar flow by showing the flow of oil from the end of a pipe. Accompanying videos in the modules contrast this flow to intermittent and turbulent flows.

Figure 5. A QuickTime video illustrating laminar flow (580 kb).	Figure 6. An animation in QuickTime format illustrating the stagnation point in the flow over a bluff body. The animation is based on the experiment of A.H. Shapiro (Pressure Fields and Fluid Acceleration, Encyclopedia Britannica Video Series on Fluid Flow, 1969) (100 kb).

Animations are also used to demonstrate processes, particularly those that cannot be videotaped due to size or location constraints. Animations can also be broken down into steps with supporting text to highlight each process.

Figure 6 is an example animation in QuickTime format (click on the image to play). The animation illustrates the stagnation point in the flow over a bluff body. The flow of a group of hydrogen bubbles over the object is animated. The stagnation bubble, marked red, is held up at the nose of the bluff body.

Interface Design and User Interactivity

• Move forward and backward one screen at a time within the module.
• Jump to sections of interest in the material.
• Search and find related information on topics that are presented.
• Access a glossary of terms.
• Trace the history of the movement within the module.
• Exit the module easily.

Users can jump to any section via the main menu. A red triangle indicates the last section a user was in, and a checkmark indicates the last section completed (Figure 7). Users can also jump to any section in the module from within the lesson using the "Sections" pulldown menu (Figure 8).

Figure 7. The main menu of the module.

Figure 8. The "Sections" pulldown menu.

The "Continue" button is used to build information on each screen/page. The red stop sign indicates when the page has been completed. At this point, the user will advance to the next page when the "Continue" button is pressed. "Back" and "Forward" buttons are only used to jump forward and back across pages without building information on each screen.

Interactivity is achieved through the use of interactive questions and problems. For example, interactive elements such as exercises, simulations, and multiple-choice questions are added after the main content has been developed. Different types of interactivity are important for students with different learning styles.

MODULE EVALUATION

Informal student feedback during module development was provided to the development team, and revisions were made accordingly. Additionally, student surveys have been developed and implemented by the MECD development team in order to provide more specific responses (e.g., the value of navigational features and content, etc.).

Students were required to write journals tracking their impressions of the modules throughout the course. Comments included the following:

CONCLUSIONS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Bibliography

Gramoll, K., and J. Craig. "Teaching a Multimedia Course in Engineering." Ibid. pp. 2578-2584.

Horswill, J. "An Electronic Book Project: The Fundamentals of Interfacial Engineering." Ibid. pp. 1795-1799.

MECD Group. "Computer-Based Multimedia Applications in the Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics." IEEE/ASEE Frontiers in Education Conference. Salt Lake City, UT: American Society for Engineering Education, 1996.

Ribando, R.J. "A Partial Studio Model for Teaching Undergraduate Heat Transfer." IEEE/ASEE Frontiers in Education Conference. Ibid. 1996.

Yusaf, I., and K. Gramol. "Case Based Multimedia in Engineering Education." Investing in the Future, Salt Lake City, UT: American Society for Engineering Education, 1995.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Vaughan R. Voller earned his Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom, in 1980. He is currently a professor with St. Anthony Falls Laboratory of the University of Minnesota. Dr. Voller is a member of TMS.

Sheila J. Hoover earned her M.S. in instructional design and technology at the University of Minnesota in 1993. She is currently an education specialist/instructional designer with the Multidisciplinary Engineering Curriculum Development Center at the University of Minnesota.

Joan F. Watson earned her M.A. in music performance from Northwestern University in 1978. She is currently a project coordinator/instructional designer with the Multidisciplinary Engineering Curriculum Development Center at the University of Minnesota.

For more information, contact V.R. Voller, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455; (612) 625-0764; fax (612) 626-7750; e-mail volle001@maroon.tc.umn.edu.