ERIC Number: EJ765105
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1315
EISSN: N/A
Using LabVIEW for Applying Mathematical Models in Representing Phenomena
Faraco, G.; Gabriele, L.
Computers & Education, v49 n3 p856-872 Nov 2007
Simulations make it possible to explore physical and biological phenomena, where conducting the real experiment is impracticable or difficult. The implementation of a software program describing and simulating a given physical situation encourages the understanding of a phenomenon itself. Fifty-nine students, enrolled at the Mathematical Methods for Engineers used LabVIEW to develop software programs able to simulate physical and biological phenomena. They reported on the simulated phenomena and on the adopted strategies for its planning and the development. The works produced by the students have been analyzed taking into account the understanding of the simulated phenomenon, and the used strategy in the planning and development of the software. We found out that the more the program works, the more students understand the phenomena they simulated. The analysis of the programs and of the methodology each student used in the software development phase showed the different strategies and the cognitive styles they used and the skills that the use of LabVIEW enables learners to acquire.
Descriptors: Mathematical Models, Computer Software, Computer Simulation, Engineering Education, Science Instruction, Science Experiments, Higher Education, Cognitive Style, Physics, Biology, Learning Strategies, Skill Development, Mathematics Instruction, Science Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A