How to Design Homework Assignments for Students Who Use Search Engines Instead of their Textbooks

摘要

In a survey course such as Introduction to Materials, homework assignments are often based on readings from the textbook. However, many students find it easier to use search engines to look up the answers on the internet. Rather than obstruct this natural tendency, instructors can take advantage of it by assigning questions that require intelligent use of internet resources. Solutions lead to class discussions about the meaning of the results. This paper discusses several materials homework assignments requiring internet research. Students learn that some answers are very difficult to find, and that accuracy of data on the internet is not guaranteed. Students also learn how materials data affect design, economics, and public policy.