Development of a Digital Image CD-ROM and Website: A New Resource for Water Resources Engineering Education

Abstract

Integration of engineering schematics and photos into classroom lectures previously required use of poor quality transparencies made from copied or scanned images. These supplements remained in the possession of the instructor, thus limiting the students’ ability to view them outside of the classroom. More recently, faculty have begun lecturing using computerized LCD projection systems, into which images can be easily integrated. This gives students the benefit of seeing virtual on-site projects or phenomena and improves the effectiveness of classroom instruction. Unfortunately, many existing image collections do not have a strong focus on environmental and water resources engineering and, due to insufficient resolution, result in poor projection quality when enlarged in a document or through a computer-projection system. This paper describes a project supported by the National Science Foundation to develop a website and CD-ROM, Digital Images of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering ,d esigned to enhance the pool of resources available for environmental and water resources engineering education. Through this resource, the authors aim to support the integration of technology into engineering courses and further facilitate student learning, understanding and recognition of classroom concepts. The website and CD-ROM contain a database of photographs and video clips that illustrate concepts related to hydraulic structures, open channel flow, sedimentation, and other specializations. This database was constructed by filming an array of existing engineering operations, facility renovations, and construction projects, as well as naturally occurring phenomena. The majority of images are available in three alternative resolutions, each suited towards a particular viewing medium. The image collection is ideal for use by instructors who prefer stand-alone images that supplement classroom discussion or as part of computerized lecture media. The images can also be directly accessed by students outside of the classroom or as part of distance learning courses. Additionally, the website and CD-ROM can be used as a recruitment tool to disseminate information regarding careers in water resources engineering to middle and high school students.