Over 50 mechanical engineering undergraduate students at University of Michigan - Jiao Tong University (UM-SJTU) Joint Institute in Shanghai used SimInsights as part of junior level system dynamics course. Students completed homework assignments that required them to build computer models of mechanical and electrical systems and simulate them to study their responses by viewing the animations and charts. In some cases, students were asked to compare the simulation results with their hand calculated analytical solutions.
Students found SimInsights to be a valuable complement to other learning resources such as textbooks, calculators and other software applications. According to Professor Robert Parker, the instructor for the course:
"SimInsights software engages students in a different way than lecturing and textbooks can, and it triggers students' imagination and creativity in analyzing engineering systems. Students respond to SimInsights problems with enthusiasm. They appreciate the more dynamic interaction as a supplement to traditional textbook problem solving."
Professor Parker is Distinguished Professor Chair and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute.
