Student Perceptions of Online Homework Tools in Undergraduate Statics Course

The use of electronic tools is growing in engineering education. To improve the use of online homework tools, this study sought to identify which characteristics student prefer in their homework format. The researchers used a survey during two semesters, soliciting feedback from 60 students in undergraduate Statics courses. This study found that providing worked examples greatly influenced student preferences of an online homework system, and that the most preferred characteristics of any homework format were the ability to attempt problems multiple times and to stop/start at their own pace. The findings of this study can guide educators, administrators, and software designers towards formats that meet the preferences of current undergraduate engineering students.