Although civil engineers continually develop new ways to solve problems involving water, energy, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, these innovations can take years – or even decades – to reach developing countries. Computer-based instruction has the potential to dramatically decrease this lag time by improving engineering education in the developing world. This paper discusses the development of instructional simulations, based on the theory of model-centered instruction. These simulations can serve as self-paced learning modules, which can be accessed for free over the Internet. A pilot learning module was developed for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the topic of reservoir sedimentation. This pilot learning module is described in terms of widely-accepted instructional design principles. Preliminary assessment of the pilot module demonstrated that instructional simulations can effectively teach engineering principles within the context of real-world problems. Students found this type of learning to be both challenging and engaging.
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