INTEGRAL - Web-Based Platform
to Support Learning in Interdisciplinary Teams

A project by
Institut für Arbeitswissenschaft der RWTH Aachen,
Uni-GH Essen, Fachgebiet Ergonomie im Design,
Uni-GH Siegen, Arbeitswissenschaft/Ergonomie, and
Leibniz Research Centre for
Working Environment and Human Factors (associated)

Background

Ergonomics / human factors is a highly multidisciplinary topic, with contributions from many academic fields, which are relevant for a large spectrum of professions. Its establishment as a compulsory or optional subject frequently results in a numerous and heterogeneous audience, which is difficult to address by solely referring to conventional methods of academic education. Especially, such conditions frequently provide not opportunities for applying curricular content in the context of practice-related projects.

Objectives

The main objective was to promote students in developing adequate problem solving skills in the field of ergonomic product and workplace design. For this purpose, an e-learning platform with interactive multimedia training modules was developed, which could be used by instructors, to illustrate individual topics during their presentations, as well as students, to elaborate on topics introduced in lectures and seminars, by dealing with exemplary cases. The second objective was the evaluation and continuous improvement of the modules and the e-learning platform in general, to ensure their usability and sustaining acceptance.

Virtual Reality

The IfADo developed the interactive training module Evaluation of Computer Workstations. With this module, the utilization of Virtual Reality concepts for depicting exemplary cases was investigated.

The pivotal element was a VRML-model of a computer workstation, which the users analyzed by applying an integrated checklist specifying the ergonomic requirements in this field. The training module was subjected to a detailed evaluation, by referring to interaction and performance data, which had been recorded by the web server

The project was funded by the Universitätsverbund Multimedia, in the context of the second call of the programme 'New Media in Academic Education'.