Abstract
The use of PCs in the educational sector has changed the learning environment of higher learning institutions and learning styles (the way individuals grasp and processinformation) of students in general. When coursewares (software that are used by students in their learning) were first introduced, the information was often presented at a pre-determined tutoring level and followed a set of structure. These coursewares provided surface approaches to learning (for example, the information had to be memorized by the learners) and did not take the student’s basic knowledge or learning style into account and therefore lacked the ability to adapt intelligently to meet the student’s specific learning requirements. However, with the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, multimedia, and virtual reality, it is now possible to develop coursewares that could be designed to engage learners in more motivating environments. These coursewares could be implemented by using the principles of computer-aided learning (CAL) (a terminology used for imparting educational experiences electronically).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Courseware: Software packages that students use in their learning to supplement or replace traditional course activities.
Engineering Mechanics Dynamics: A mechanical engineering course subject that deals with accelerated motion of a body.
Learning Styles: The way individuals/learners take in and process information.
Discovery Learning: An inquiry-based learning method where approaches such as experimentation with some extrinsic (what is distinctly outside the thing in question) involvement, for example, clues, coaching, and a framework to help learners get to a reasonable conclusion.