The cost analysis of using interactive computer-simulated laboratory experiments in selected Engineering Technology courses

Investigating the possibility of using interactive computer simulated instruction can be very helpful to academic institutions both from the economic and the effectiveness points of view. In order to provide valuable cost information for Engineering Technology programs interested in the implementation of computer simulated laboratory experiments in selected Engineering Technology courses, a cost analysis study was conducted to determine if such an approach would be cost effective.;Two material science courses commonly offered in Engineering Technology curricula were selected. Eight experiments which are typically performed in such courses were identified. The prices of the major equipment items needed to conduct each experiment were collected from the several manufacturers. Other operating costs associated with performing these eight experiments using traditional "hands-on" instruction approach were obtained from the accounting records of the Packaging Engineering Technology program at Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio. After collecting the cost accounting data, the total annual cost of building a traditional material science laboratory with updated mechanical equipment was estimated. A similar approach was used to estimate the total annual cost of conducting these eight experiments using interactive computer simulation software packages which provide instructions compatible with the traditional laboratory experiments. A comparison was made between the cost of conducting the same set of laboratory experiments using two different approaches.;The major findings of this study were: (1) There was a significant cost saving involved in implementing computer simulation laboratory experiments for selected Engineering Technology courses, as compared to the "hands-on" experimental instruction provided by most traditional programs today. (2) Some material science experiments lent themselves better to the computer interactive simulated approach. (3) The number of computer simulation software packages available in the market today which are adaptable and acceptable for provided instruction in material science experiments are very limited.