Computer-aided instruction in dynamics: does it improve learning?

Since 1992, the authors have been developing and testing "BEST" Dynamics software (Basic Engineering Software for Teaching Dynamics) with the goal of transforming how engineering dynamics is taught at the University of Missouri-Rolla, USA. This paper introduces the "BEST" Dynamics and its classroom implementation, raises questions concerning the cognitive impact of the software, attempts to classify the type of learning environment used in "BEST" Dynamics, and gives some new directions that are being taken based on the authors' observations and experiences.