Final Paper pdf 573KB

Using Web-Based Textbook To Improve Students’ Understanding of Materials Science

The Citadel’s materials science instructors evaluated a web-based textbook from zyBooks as a replacement for a traditional hardcopy. The same textbook on the web is presented as ‘less text, more action’ resource that consists of questions sets, animations, interactive tools, and embedded homework. This website with learning content was also linked to Canvas, The Citadel’s Learning Management System, which became mandatory during the COVID pandemic. The instructors administered zyBooks learning activities which were due before lectures which promoted engagement and allowed active monitoring of students’ preparation. The participation was easily converted to grades in Canvas. In person / in class quizzes and tests were built to include examples and activities from zyBooks thus testing students’ engagement. First quizzes show grades at about 95% and the semester grade comparison will be presented in the final version of the paper.