Students developing concepts in statics

Abstract

We are developing a learning environment in the subject area of statics that includes physical models, interactive multimedia, traditional pencil-and-paper activities, and cooperative learning in the framework of experiential learning (Kolb, 1984). We are using Authorware Professional to construct the multimedia program. We taught a section of statics in this format, which now includes topics from mechanics of materials, for the third time in the fall of 97 to students in architecture. In this paper we describe the learning environment and illustrate how students are guided to develop the concept of moment and the condition of moment equilibrium.