Using Online Tutorials in Programming VBA-Excel

Programming for Mechanical Engineers (ME 209) at CSU Northridge is an introductory required course for all Mechanical Engineering students, which focuses on programming with Visual Basic Application for Excel. Most entering Mechanical Engineering students do not have any background in programming, and tend to struggle with the logic and organization required in programming. Four to five sections of ME 209 are offered each semester, and at least one section is offered in the summer for a total annual enrollment of 200 to 240 students. The course emphasizes the solution of mechanical engineering problems using systematic methodologies. Topics include the use of flowcharts, variable types, the Excel/VBA environment, decision and looping structures, program debugging and effective programming practices. In general, the students are expected to apply the knowledge learned in ME 209 to subsequent courses and in their professional careers post-graduation. Recent senior exit interviews identified ME 209 as a course that should be considered for redesign to enhance student’s learning and success. I developed comprehensive set of tutorials to supplement in-class or online instructions. In addition, I am in the process of developing supplemental videos to the lecture discussions and tutorials. The uniqueness of the newly developed materials, namely, is that tutorial and videos are concept-based and proficiency-focused rather than general coverage of the material.