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Civil-Comp Proceedings
ISSN 1759-3433
CCP: 2/3
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING COMPUTING
Edited by: B.H.V. Topping
Paper XXX.11

The Use of Computers and Computer Graphics in the Teaching of Structural Analysis

A.G. Smyrell

Department of Civil Engineering, Teeside Polytechnic, Middlesborough

Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper
A.G. Smyrell, "The Use of Computers and Computer Graphics in the Teaching of Structural Analysis", in B.H.V. Topping, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Civil and Structural Engineering Computing", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, pp 473-478, 1985. doi:10.4203/ccp.2.30.11
Abstract
Once it is understood that the proper use of computers can enhance the teaching ability of any lecturer and the learning capacity of any student, it becomes necessary to introduce them into the curriculum in an orderly fashion. This paper sets out to review the various aspects of this task which the educator involved in the teaching of structural analysis must consider. Various recommendations are made with regard to hardware and software requirements. The teaching strategy is then considered under the headings of Computer Programming, Computer Assisted Learning, and Computer Aided Design. It is shown that all of these areas must be integrated into a successful strategy. The use of computer graphics is then given special consideration, and it is demonstrated that screen and plotter graphics must be considered as incompatible, due to the great differences of operation between them. Finally, the implementation of these proposals is illustrated with reference to the author's own experience in the Department of Civil Engineering at Teesside Polytechnic.

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