Homework and exam assignments are essential instructional tools used in multiple disciplines and for all course levels. With the development and adoption of online learning environments for problem creation and assignment, some issues associated with paper submission of homework assignments have been alleviated. Online, web-based homework has become necessary for the facilitation of learning in large classes, particularly those that require frequent feedback to students. The use of online homework allows a greater number and variety of problem types to be assigned. Student confidence is also built through access to immediate assignment feedback from the learning system. Timely completion of homework assignments is necessary for development of skills needed to perform well on in-class exams that are used to assess abilities to apply those skills. This paper describes and compares online homework assignment policies and their effects on student performance in thermodynamics and heat transfer courses.
Frank Pyrtle, III is an instructor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. He received his BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, and his PhD in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He joined the department in 2004 and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including fluid systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermal systems, advanced conduction, radiation, and mathematics. He is also a practicing, licensed State of Florida Professional Engineer.
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