A framework for integrating computational simulations into engineering lessons

Abstract

Nanotechnology related education is a critical part of a multidisciplinary engineering education. While nanoHUB.org simulations are readily available for instructors to use in their courses as supplemental course material for teaching nanotechnology concepts, maximum student learning through the use of simulations can only be realized through the careful alignment of student learning needs and the value added by inserting simulation use into a course. Computational simulations are unique in that the developed tools are adopted for a purpose, learning, other than what they were originally designed for, research. The approach instructors take to integrate simulations will have a direct impact on what students learn from the simulation activity. Therefore, based on our experiences with computational simulation in the classroom, we extend practices in curriculum development to propose an integration method that will assist faculty in effectively incorporating research-grade simulations into their existing courses.