Multimedia in the introductory physics course for engineering students

For the introductory physics course a teaching/learning unit 'oscillatory motion' has been developed in a joint international project. The multimedia learning environment SLICE (Self-Directed Learning in an Interactive Computer Environment) is accompanied by printed material and commercial laser disc material. SLICE operates under WINDOWS using TOOLBOOK. SLICE integrates textual material, animations, simulations, and standard software like spreadsheets (EXCEL), and computer algebra systems (MAPLE). Didactical aim is to develop and foster self-learning abilities in the foundation studies as an essential prerequisite for further on-campus studies, for continuing education and life-long learning in a distance-learning mode.