Abstract:

Teaching in technical subjects requires the use of programming and computer tools but sometimes many difficulties are found in the acquisition of both substantial learning and practical computer skills. Although the immediate objective of this work is the comprehension of a specific topic, diffusion in solids as a random physical process, the broader goal is to present computer tools, in this case an Excel macro developed by the authors, not only as a way of processing data but also as a representation item that facilitates learning. This multimedia learning object includes an interactive simulation of the random motion of particles, which is the base of the physical phenomenon of solid diffusion and consequently must be taught in some engineering subjects. Students need to be familiar with Excel spreadsheets because a basic Excel management is assumed. They participate in the construction of the learning object, i.e. in the programming of the macro, and they finally simulate diffusion and interact with the multimedia tool.