This thesis presents research performed to mvestigate the potential offered by the Internet for the implementation of an Engineering Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) environment. The research comprises two categories, a detailed literature survey of CAL and its application through the medium of the Internet environment.
As a direct result of the literature survey, the scope of CAL can be considered to comprise the use of text, graphics, animations and sound. It is through the use of the CAL media that the true power of computer-aided education can be realized. The research performed focuses on student motivation, with emphasis placed on the educational environment.
The Internet as a CAL environment was chosen for evaluation in this thesis due to its ability to convey information in a variety of contexts to any student with Internet access Courseware was developed for the M Eng (Masters in Engineering) program, specifically in the field of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) ANNs lend themselves to CAL due to their mathematical, graphical and exploratory nature.
By considering the courseware developed the Internet is evaluated as an effective CAL medium through feedback from students taking the MEng course and from other interested parties. The thesis then concludes with suggestions for further development of CAL courseware on the Internet.
Metadata
Item Type:
Thesis (Master of Engineering)
Date of Award:
1998
Refereed:
No
Supervisor(s):
Ringwood, John
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Neural networks (Computer science); Computer-assisted instruction; Internet in education