This project was funded by the National Science Foundation, to develop a modular electronic product (web based learning system) for use in Civil Engineering Curriculum. The web-based learning system is being used to teach students the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the foundational courses of a typical Civil Engineering program focusing on the “Real world” engineering problems. As a viable learning technology is being developed, a detailed understanding of how students go about using interactive software as a vehicle for learning to solve complex problems is also being formulated. The principle objectives of this project are to carry out an initial series of evaluation studies with components and iterations of this system, in order to test the usability with respect to Real World Learning, Perceived Learning, Motivation and Pre vs Post Knowledge. Currently we are evaluating the Geotech and Environmental modules.

The above picture shows the interface for the GIS learning system.