Biomechanics Web-Course: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

From ordering books to searching for cheap airline tickets, the Internet is infiltrating our daily lives. One place where its use is definitely exploding is in the classroom. The Internet affords the instructor the opportunity to provide interactive learning situations in place of more traditional passive methods. This paper discusses the development of an interactive web-based biomechanics module for an undergraduate Introduction to Ergonomics course. An exploratory study found that student performance on a test was equal regardless of whether they were self-taught using web-based material or the textbook. These initial results raise questions as to the characteristics of a successful web-based course.