Using Multimedia Online Learning Tools to Supplement the Classroom Instruction

This paper introduces the use of multimedia tools to create an online self-study environment to supplement the classroom instruction in Graphical Communications. The topics in this course extend from hand sketching demonstrations to the solid model creation using CAD software such as CATIA. Webcam and Camtasia software were used to capture live examples and the recorded videos were placed on Blackboard. Multimedia tools provide students an efficient way to review the topics covered in the class, in that hand sketching and complex CAD models are often difficult to interpret through words and pictures alone. The positive survey results reflect an initial success of using multimedia tools to supplement the classroom instruction.