Internet Use In A Beginning Thermodynamics Course

Thermodynamics is a complex subject, involving many new concepts, complicated equations, and large amounts of data. Instructors are faced with the problem of how to present new concepts and reinforce old ones. The use of the Internet in a beginning thermodynamics course has proven to be helpful and effective. A web site is established for the course; it includes the course syllabus, with the goals and objectives, grading information, a course plan, and supplementary notes, classwork exercises, and homework assignments. The web page is designed so that it can be projected onto a screen in the classroom and can be downloaded by the students at home. Although the use of the Internet in teaching has many advantages, one problem is the amount of time required to prepare the web pages. Since the students like to download the notes, one must also be careful that the web pages print properly. Student reactions to the use of the Internet have been uniformly favorable. They say that it is very helpful in helping them to learn what is generally acknowledged to be a difficult subject.