Application of an Online Interactive Simulation Tool to Teach Engineering Concepts Using 3D Spatial Structures

Simulations can be powerful learning tools that allow students to explore and understand concepts in ways that are not possible in typical classroom settings. However, research is lacking as to how to use simulations most effectively in different types of learning environments. To address this need, we designed a study to examine the impact of using online interactive simulations on the learning and motivation of 109 undergraduate architecture students from two large public universities. The simulation tool allowed students to create models of spatial structures and analyze the effects of loads on structural member forces and deflections. The authors incorporated the simulations into our instructional design using an inquiry approach because it was consistent with our goals of teaching students concepts and the process of deriving the concepts. They documented that online interactive simulations delivered through inquiry-based instruction can be an effective means to help students learn and apply concepts.