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The Multidisciplinary Engineering Curriculum Development Testbed (MECD) produces interactive instructional modules that explain the principles of interfacial engineering. Written by D. Fennell Evans, the modules cover such diverse subjects as amphiphilic assembly, intermolecular forces, surface tension, absorption, colloids and polymers. These modules are being developed with the aid of grants from the National Science Foundation.
Much of the instructional software developed for engineering curricula consists of supplemental material aimed at undergraduates. Our modules, however, are self-contained, interactive multimedia applications intended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. We also anticipate that they will be used extensively in industry.
We have kept text to a minimum, using graphics to convey key concepts, wherever possible. Diagrams and animations are integral to the development of concepts in these modules, rather than being tacked on a 'illustrations.' Substitutions in equations are animated, making derivations easier to follow than on the printed page.
We have divided the modules into sections, each of which begins with a goal statement and ends with a summary. Users can browse these summaries, using them as a guide to whether they wish to explore a particular section. Many modules include interactive exercise that allow students to practice applying the principles discussed. These exercises can be turned off to facilitate browsing, however.
Users choose the amount and kind of detail they wish to pursue. A theoretician who is interested in the derivation of the Derjaguin approximation can jump off the main track to a Theoretical 'spur' for and explanation. On the other hand, an engineer who wishes to explore the use of light scattering in the characterization of micelles will find that information is an Experimental spur.
Extensive navigational tools make it easy to find information. Students can search an entire module for any text string. Every module contains hypertext links to an extensive, illustrated glossary of terms specific to interfacial engineering. Users can also search this glossary for any word or phrase.
We have been using these modules in classes and the responses of the students have been positive. We have also demonstrated them to the Center's industrial partners, and have received many requests for copies.
The presentation will include a history of the project, a discussion of the instructional strategies employed, and a demonstrate of our software. I will also discuss some of the problems we have encountered in pursuing a multimedia project of this magnitude.