Development Of A Cai For Use In An Industrial Biomechanics And Ergonomics Course

Abstract

Multimedia technology offers a more interactive approach to instruction than the traditional classroom lectures. Through computer-aided instruction (CAI), a number of teaching styles can be used that take into account the different preferences of the students. The Biomechanics Tutorial program, is a CAI that incorporates audio, video, simulations, and graphics to: review concepts of mechanics (kinematics and kinetics of interconnected rigid bodies), familiarize students with functional anatomy, and allow students to interactively evaluate the law of mechanics applied to physical performance of activities modeled by a set of biomechanical models of the joints. Principles of ergonomics are reinforced by enabling the student to perform numerous numerical experiments within the context of workplace or task redesign and see the real time consequences of these alterations. For example, the task of holding a handle is simulated by allowing the student to change elbow and shoulder angles and the orientation and magnitude of the load. The consequences of these in terms of required muscle forces and joint reaction forces at the elbow and shoulder will be updated on the screen. The detailed rationale, development stages, and key examples of the tutorial will be presented.

I. Introduction Aside from education, computer-aided instruction (CAI) is being integrated into several post- collegiate arenas. Automobile maintenance, the art of handling personnel, and programs to teach cardio-pulmonary resuscitation are a few of the job training programs that have used this method 2 of instruction . With the increasing growth of computer technology world-wide, it is imperative that collegiate education meet the challenge of graduating students with hands on experience in using existing software packages and with the critical thinking skills of how to physically apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. The Biomechanics Tutorial, developed in house, expedites the transition from lecture to application for students in an introductory biomechanics class. It reviews basic concepts of rigid body mechanics and functional anatomy and combines them in a way that the student can become confident and efficient in building biomechanical models.

II. Review of the Design The Biomechanics Tutorial is designed to allow the user to smoothly navigate the various sections in either a linear or nonlinear fashion. Linear navigation by the user is supported by the sequential outline of the primary contents and the sub contents of the tutorial. Nonlinear navigation is supported by the hypertext functionality of each section's outline which allows the user to proceed throughout the tutorial in the order he/she chooses. This hypermedia option is available throughout the tutorial so that the user is also able to navigate within each section as he/she chooses.

The Biomechanics Tutorial contains a mechanics review, a mechanics quiz, an anatomy review, an anatomy quiz, quiz results, examples of simulations, a study guide, and practical biomechanical simulations that are presented as laboratory exercises for students to explore and analyze.