Interactive computer modules for undergraduate chemical engineering instruction

Abstract

Interactive computer modules have been developed for four of the core courses in the Chemical Engineering curriculum: Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Fluids/Transport, Separations, and Kinetics. These modules generally consist of a review of the material, followed by an interactive problem‐solving session, which may include a computer simulation of the processes involved. The problem is often presented as part of a scenario, to capture the student's interest, and hints are available to guide the student. This study examines the components of these modules, as well as considerations that educators should take into account when developing interactive computer modules.