Using an MLE to challenge students' learning, encourage interaction with lecture materials, and to assess their knowledge

This case study has been developed as part of the LTSN Engineering Teaching Awards 2003-2004, from data gathered through a demonstration of the teaching and learning materials available, interviews with the tutor and a student focus group. ‘Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics’ is a compulsory first year module at the University of Hertfordshire. Support materials for the module are provided through a Managed Learning Environment - StudyNet - which actively seeks to integrate teaching materials, notes and module news, as well as on-line class discussions to enhance opportunities for personalised and collaborative learning. For this particular module a range of automated facilities have been developed, in addition to lecture notes, to support the teaching, learning and assessment processes. This case study introduces the background, students’ perspective, issues and benefits of this mode of teaching and learning.