Virtual Steel Connection Sculpture - Student Learning Assessment

Abstract

A Virtual Steel Connection Sculpture was developed through a grant from National Science Foundation. The features of this interactive learning tool, that shows how steel members are connected to build a structure such as buildings and bridges, are discussed in detail in the papers by the first two authors. Learning assessment was a crucial component during the development process, because it was important to measure the effectiveness of this tool in enhancing student’s understanding of steel connection types, as the Sculpture is an interactive learning tool for students and anyone interested in learning how steel members are connected. In this paper, the focus is on the student learning assessment of this 3-D interactive Virtual Steel Sculpture to complement their steel design courses.