Multimedia- and Computer-Based Engineering Education

Multimedia technology provides a valuable resource to boost interest in engineering education and enhance the ability to teach and to learn from engineering courses. The ability to combine visualization of complex mathematical and abstract subjects, gain experience with virtual laboratories, develop guided use of simulation software, and even experience virtual participation in practical applications are among the many advantages of technology-based education. In this paper we describe and demonstrate the main features of four multimedia CD-ROMs developed by the CAEME Center for Multimedia Education and Technology. This includes the Physics Museum, Calculus Castle, the Genetics CD-ROM, and the most recent CD-ROM on Engineering Electromagnetics. In addition to describing and demonstrating the features of the developed multimedia CD-ROMs, results from statistical studies showing benefits from multimedia and technology-based education will be discussed. Preliminary results from controlled educational experiments show that students learn by an average of 20% more when exposed to multimedia components in their learning and studying of their technical subject.