Adressing Different Learning Styles in Thermodynamics with Graphical Simulations: Proof-of-Concept

传统的工程教学方法不能满足所有类型的学习者。这对于热力学课程尤其如此，它不适合视觉和主动学习类型。这个概念验证项目的目标是开发一个教育软件材料，它结合了计算机模拟和可视化，以提高学生在热力学方面的学习效率。拟议的软件将是模块化的，并可随着时间的推移而扩展。编程结构将利用LabVIEW的G语言中的图形编程方法。用户界面也将是完全图形化的。指示器和控件将模仿现实生活中的设备，以方便学生使用。具体的学习目标是：1）改善不同学习类型的教学，2）增加一个学期可以覆盖的课程内容，以及3）促进学生的探索/设计。材料，模拟一个基本的热力学动力循环，将创建评估的概念。将在工程热力学教室进行试验，以评估项目概念和成果，以达到目标。评价将强调材料对不同类型学习者的有效性，包括对代表性不足群体的相关性。将产生程序文件，以及在机械，核和化学工程热力学课程的课程开发计划。将主要通过电子手段和技术出版物传播结果。

Traditional instruction methods in engineering do not address all types of learners. This is particularly true for the thermodynamics curriculum, which is poorly suited to visual and active learning types. The goal of this proof-of-concept project is to develop an educational software material, which combines computer simulation and visualization to improve learning effectiveness for students in thermodynamics. The proposed software will be modular and expandable over time. The programming structure will take advantage of graphical programming methods in the G language of LabVIEW. The user interface will be completely graphical as well. Indicators and controls will mimic real-life devices for ease of student use. The specific learning objectives are: 1) improvement in instruction for different learning types, 2) an increase in the amount of course content which can be covered in a semester, and 3) facilitation of student exploration/design. Material, which simulates a basic thermodynamic power cycle, will be created to evaluate the concept. Trial implementation in an Engineering Thermodynamics classroom will be performed to allow evaluation of the project concept and outcomes in meeting objectives. The evaluation will emphasize the effectiveness of the material for different types of learners, including, relevance to underrepresented groups. Program documentation will be produced, as well as curriculum development plans for thermodynamics courses in Mechanical, Nuclear, and Chemical Engineering. Results will be disseminated primarily through electronic means and technical publication.