Interactive dynamics: A collaborative approach to learning undergraduate dynamics

Collaborative learning, computer simulations and practical experimentation are the essential elements of a new project for the enhancement of undergraduate engineering courses currently being developed at Penn State University. This project introduces teamwork, hands-on activities and visualization in courses traditionally containing none of these. The approach used to implement these innovations into a sophomore level dynamics course is described. A discussion of the most significant issues and hurdles encountered during this implementation is included so as to assist other educators in designing learning environments like the one presented here.