Interactive Web-based Learning Using Interactive Multimedia Simulations

1 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721 USA, Phone: 520-621-2145, Fax: 520621-2145: [email protected] & Guest Professor, Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich. Abstract  In this paper, interactive animations are used to enhance presentation of difficult engineering topics. Teaching pedagogies and modern communication technologies are integrated to enhance learning and retention. Selections of topics from two courses, Statics and Geotechnical engineering, are used to illustrate the use of interactive animations, graphics and text to satisfy various learning styles. The simulations were developed using various royalty-free commercial software such as Authorware.