WeBWorK as an open online homework system in a second-year material and energy balances course

Abstract

–Many studies have shown the advantages of dynamic homework tools for student learning. Material and energy balances is a common foundational course in chemical engineering and related disciplines. There are a number of open educational resources that have been developed around material and energy balances such as screencasts, interactive simulations and conceptual multiple choice tests. In order to build upon these resources, we sought to create online homework assignments on an easily accessible platform, with instant feedback and dynamic questions with individual numbers and unique solutions. We selected WeBWorK as a tool for this due to its common use, open and editable nature and the ease to which problems can be shared between authors through the Open Problem Library system built into the software. WeBWorK problem sets were easy to use for students and well received. The switch from pencil and paper to WeBWorK showed no significant effect on student grades or participation in homework assignments. On the Instructors’ side, WeBWorK saved time overall by reducing grading significantly. This allowed greater time for student interaction with instructors. However certain problem types, notably creating diagrams or explaining problem solving methodology could not be accomplished with WeBWorK. A hybrid of pencil and paper homework as well as WeBWorK is recommended for material and energy balances due to the course material and objectives