Developing Learning Modules on Structural Engineering Using Commercial Software

Specialized software in structural analysis and design are now commercially available and may be adopted in schools to teach students on the use of state-of-the-art software. However, learning to use the software should not be the main objective when these software are integrated in the classroom. Methods on how these software be used to generate “new knowledge” and deepen the understanding on structural engineering concepts should be the primary goal. To effectively use these advanced computer tools, teaching and learning materials must be developed. This paper describes a learning and instructional material in the modeling and analysis of structures in 2D, developed using a commercially structural analysis software as a learning tool. The learning module is appropriate in a classroom environment where the “learning by doing” teaching approach is adopted.