Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Conference Track:  Engineering Education

Keywords:         engineering education, information technology, distance education,  digital library, learning objects

Contact Title:     Prof.

Contact First Name: Muniram

Contact Last Name:  Budhu

University:       University of Arizona

Web:              http://www.u.arizona.edu/~civil

Position:         Professor

Country:          USA

Email:            budhu@u.arizona.edu

Fax:              520 621 2550

Paper Title: 

OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE ENGINEERING EDUCATION USING REUSABLE, INTERACTIVE LEARNING OBJECTS IN AN ENGINEERING DIGITAL LIBRARY: THE GROW-NCERL PROJECT

Abstract: 

Digital libraries are becoming increasingly important not only as a universal source of human knowledge, but as a universal learning environment for citizens of the world.  In a complex world where citizens are divided by time, distance, culture, religion, and economy, digital libraries can be a unifier by providing an environment where no citizen of the world is isolated from learning. We can learn from a digital library with the touch of a button, the nature of the universe, the history of our peoples, the scientific and technological innovations of humanity, the state of our environment, the functions of our governments, and the richness of our cultures, religions, technologies and arts.

Digital technologies are transforming the way we teach and learn, and provide opportunities for enhancing engineering education.  Digital libraries, some in use and others in development, provide access and an assortment of tools for a user to search, retrieve, create, customize and share content that are available anytime, anyplace.  In this paper, the development and use of a digital library for civil engineering education resources is described.  This digital library called GROW is funded by the National Science Foundation and is part of the National Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Digital Library (NSDL).  GROW  is providing a new learning environment that allows an instructor/developer to change conventional static text-based educational materials to dynamic, engaging educational materials using dynamic text, images, passive and interactive animations, digital videos and sound.  Students can now explore related topics using in-house or web accessible mat!

erials rather than following conventional linear instructions. Educators and students globally can benefit from the large repository of dynamic, engaging educational materials.  The emphasis in this paper is on use of learning objects including virtual laboratories to enhance engineering education globally.

Mailing Address: 

Department of Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721  

Phone: 

520 621 2145 

Authors: 

Full Author Name / email / University /(P)

Muniram Budhu/ budhu@u.arizona.edu / P