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An Interactive Database Supporting Virtual Fieldwork in an Environmental Engineering Design Project
Author(s) -
HARMON THOMAS C.,
BURKS GLENN A.,
GIRON JONATHAN J.,
WONG WILSON,
CHUNG GREG K.W.K.,
BAKER EVA L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.2002.tb00689.x
Subject(s) - usability , requisition , software , construct (python library) , work (physics) , curriculum , computer science , engineering management , drill , engineering , systems engineering , software engineering , human–computer interaction , mechanical engineering , psychology , pedagogy , archaeology , history , programming language
This work presents an interactive simulation software package for delivering an environmental engineering design project. The primary goal of the effort is to supplement theory‐based course content with a complex and relevant design project, and to do so without increasing student course loads or placing excessive time demands on instructors. An additional goal for research‐based instructors is to provide an efficient mechanism for infusing current research findings and experimental techniques into the curriculum. The software that administers the design project is called Interactive Site Investigation Software (ISIS). This paper summarizes the rationale for the development of ISIS, outlines the instructor‐generated input required by ISIS, and details current ISIS features. These features allow students to drill boreholes, collect core samples, construct wells, collect groundwater samples, submit samples for laboratory analysis, and execute hydraulic and transport experiments at a virtual hazardous waste site. Initial feedback on the usability and usefulness of ISIS was generally positive, and the automated data requisition and dispensation substantially reduced the project's administrative demands on the instructor. Common student complaints pertained to controlled access to the software in the face of deadline pressure, uncertain expectations regarding their work product, and the need for real‐time advice.