TECHNICAL ARTICLE Enhancing Instructions Using Interactive Multimedia Simulations

In this paper, simulations to enhance learning and retention in a course in Civil Engineering (Soil Mechanics) are presented. One type of simulation deals with the delivery of course con-tent to better elucidate on selected basic concepts using interactive animations. Another type of simulation deals with the development of a vir-tual laboratory in which the student can conduct laboratory tests and interpret the results as if they were in a real laboratory. Both of these types of simulations can be delivered on the Web or on portable storage media such as CD. The simula-tions are integrated into an interactive multimedia courseware that contains interactive problem solving, electronic quizzes, a glossary, notation, a notepad, and computer program utilities in ad-dition to the virtual laboratory and interactive animations of the selected topics. The simulations were developed using various royalty-free, com-mercial software such as Authorware. Prelimi-nary evaluations indicate that simulations can significantly enhance the presentation of some topics and improve learning and retention