Using Multimedia to Close the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Engineering Education

摘要

This paper reports a collaborative courseware development project in Geotechnical Engineering between the University of Melbourne and Monash University in Australia. The project produced two learning modules. This paper describes the development and implementation of one of the two modules-the Deep Excavation module. The module provides students with a visual experience and interpretation of a range of key design and construction-related elements. It comprises a self-learning programme and a 25-minute video component in DVD format, which was filmed over a 12-month period recording the entire construction sequence of a deep basement excavation. The evaluation of the impacts on the students' understanding of relevant concepts based on a survey is reported. Results from the survey and students' marks show that their understanding of design and construction-related content had improved substantially in comparison with their understanding of other concepts that were not covered by the multimedia module.