Using CAI to accommodate a variety of learning styles in a biomechanics course

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 that the authors have written 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 load 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 of developing this Biomechanics Tutorial which integrates a variety of learning styles will be presented.