Evaluation and assessment of a biomechanics computer-aided instruction

The Biomechanics Tutorial (BT) is a computer-aided instructional (CAI) tool that expedites the transition from lecture to application for students in an introductory biomechanics class. It contains a review of basic concepts of rigid body mechanics and functional anatomy and combines them in a way t hat the student can become confident and efficient in building biomechanica l models. The tutorial was used by juniors and seniors. The Biomechanics Tu torial contains mechanics and yanatomy reviews and quizzes, quiz results, e xamples of simulations, a study guide, and practical anatomical simulations that are presented as laboratory exercises for students to explore and ana lyze. We conducted an objective evaluation using statistical analyses and a subjective evaluation using student questionnaires to assess the tutorial as an instructional aid that accompanied the professor's explanations of ba sic mechanics and functional anatomy concepts. Pre-tutorial mechanics quiz scores indicated that 86% of the students did not have sufficient mastery o f mechanics concepts. The BT significantly (p < 0.05) improved the performa nce on the post-tutorial mechanics quiz. A regression model used to test th e effect of the tutorial on final grade while controlling for confounding f actors (i.e,, GPA and prerequisite classes), did not show that the BT signi ficantly improved the final grades between the control and treatment groups . Students felt the BT was successful in helping them to better understand the principles of industrial ergonomics. This evaluation of the Biomechanic s Tutorial is a contribution to the limited amount of research that shows a positive effect of CAI on college student achievement. The results of this study are discussed. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All right s reserved.