(379k) Best Practices Using Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules in Thermal-Transport Courses

Over the past five years Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LC-DLMs) have been nationally disseminated for implementation in thermal-transport classes. Faculty participants have used four miniaturized fluid mechanics and heat transfer modules in their undergraduate chemical and mechanical engineering courses collecting data on student cognitive gains and their motivational changes after implementation. The fluid mechanics hydraulic loss and double pipe modules have consistently had higher cognitive gains than the two heat transfer double pipe and shell and tube heat exchangers. All four modules have had positive motivational gains for students. This presentation highlights the best practices of implementations we have learned over the five years, discussing how to structure a classroom implementation, how to write and align supplemental materials like worksheets and assessments, and the features of the LC-DLMs that students identify as increasing their motivation.