WWW-based water quality modeling systems to enhance student learning

This paper focuses on how student understanding of complex environmental systems can be improved by developing interactive, WWW-accessible water quality modeling systems and supporting multimedia educational materials that provide experiential learning opportunities. Students dynamically utilize online models and obtain immediate graphical responses to questions of interest. Presented herein is a description of WWW-based environmental simulation capabilities and multimedia educational materials that improve student understanding of environmental systems, particularly water quality. The material includes case studies to be applied to science and engineering higher education. Case studies give students experience in modeling real life systems and expose them to environmental issues and water quality protection measures. An evaluation of the educational tool was conducted and showed that the tool is an effective way to provide education concerning complex environmental systems.

WWW-based water quality modeling systems to enhance student learning Conference Paper