Abstract
The University of Nottingham has been involved with developing Computer Aided Learning packages for over 16 years. SurCAL, AshCAL and TrimCAL were packages developed at the University of Nottingham in the period 1993 to 1999. These packages helped demonstrate the use of specific pieces of equipment to large audiences.
The demonstration of such equipment is vital for surveyors and engineers to learn how to survey as well as how to operate such equipment effectively. However, when teaching to large classes, such as the 150 per year at Nottingham, this becomes either a very large and tedious exercise to teach them from zero experience, or the amount of time given to such an exercise is reduced.
Previous experiences in developing and implementing computer aided learning tools to introduce students to virtual instruments proved very successful, in that students were familiar with the equipment before having their first practical class. These CAL packages had many advantages, including the fact that students could learn at their own pace, and re-visit sections they may not have understood the first time around.
Recently, a project at the University of Nottingham developed a new generation of teaching material, based over the internet, using photos, animation, interaction and text to teach students the basic operations of specific surveying equipment.
The following paper details this software, including first hand experiences in implementing it with a class of 150 first year civil engineering degree students.
The demonstration of such equipment is vital for surveyors and engineers to learn how to survey as well as how to operate such equipment effectively. However, when teaching to large classes, such as the 150 per year at Nottingham, this becomes either a very large and tedious exercise to teach them from zero experience, or the amount of time given to such an exercise is reduced.
Previous experiences in developing and implementing computer aided learning tools to introduce students to virtual instruments proved very successful, in that students were familiar with the equipment before having their first practical class. These CAL packages had many advantages, including the fact that students could learn at their own pace, and re-visit sections they may not have understood the first time around.
Recently, a project at the University of Nottingham developed a new generation of teaching material, based over the internet, using photos, animation, interaction and text to teach students the basic operations of specific surveying equipment.
The following paper details this software, including first hand experiences in implementing it with a class of 150 first year civil engineering degree students.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | FIG Congress 2010 |
| Subtitle of host publication | Facing the Challenges – Building the Capacity |
| Place of Publication | Sidney |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Keywords
- Education
- Engineering surveying
