Classroom Testing of Virtual Biomechanics Laboratory (VBL) Learning Modules

This paper discusses the development and classroom testing of Virtual Biomechanics Laboratory (VBL) learning modules that offer students an opportunity for web-enhanced learning in a traditional biomechanics course. The pedagogical framework for the modules is based on the widely publicized book “How People Learn” (HPL). The HPL teaching framework presents the learning material as a series of challenges that are posed through a “Legacy Cycle.” The first two challenges for the Virtual Biomechanics Laboratory deal with the kinematics and kinetics of walking. Students are challenged to solve specific conceptual problems. For theses challenges, actual laboratory data from a human gait lab is presented to the students at the website in the form of excel spreadsheets. Using formulae pasted into the appropriate spreadsheet cells, the students can calculate and plot the trajectory of the whole body center of mass (COM) and determine the ground reaction forces (GRF). Included in the modules are video clips of experts presenting their opinions on the problem, and video shots of the equipment used in the data collection process in the actual biomechanics laboratory. Several appropriate reference papers are also supplied for background reading. This paper concludes with some results of testing this approach to learning in a traditional biomechanics class taught at the University of Texas at Austin in the Fall 2002 semester. This research study included pre- and post-tests, module components’ effectiveness rankings, a survey of learning outcomes, and a personal preference affect questionnaire.