Integration of Technology into the Materials Science and Engineering Curriculum

Engineering - Materials Science (57) The goal of this project is to develop multimedia courseware for upper level undergraduate students in materials science and engineering and related disciplines. The courseware is cutting across boundaries of the sub-disciplines of materials science and engineering and includes simulations, animations, and virtual instruments. Courseware is being developed through the collaborative efforts of faculty specializing in ceramics, electronic and photonic materials, metals, polymers, and engineering science. The majority of the courseware emphasizes active learning, requiring students to interact with the software as well as each other; and requires them to work with the information they gather from the computer to complete assignments. The courseware is initially being tested at The Pennsylvania State University, both in classes populated primarily by students in Materials Science and Engineering as well as in classes taken by students in various branches of engineering, chemistry, forestry, and food science. After initial testing and formative assessment, course materials are being disseminated to faculty at other institutions for further site testing. Commercial publication of the software and an instructional manual are being investigated.