Needs Analysis of Interactive Multimedia Courseware for Hydrology Engineering Education in Malaysian Polytechnic

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving field of hydrology engineering, the integration of interactive multimedia courseware into educational practices offers significant potential to enhance learning outcomes. This study presents a comprehensive needs analysis aimed at developing effective interactive multimedia weblog courseware tailored for hydrology engineering education. Courseware development needs were identified using questionnaire surveys with educators, students, and industry professionals. The analysis revealed a strong demand for courseware that incorporates dynamic simulations, real-time data analysis, and interactive problem-solving exercises. It also revealed that students were more engaged and performed better when using hypermedia compared to hypertext. The multimedia presentations enhanced their understanding, confidence, and happiness, leading to higher grades. The study concludes with recommendations for the design and implementation of interactive multimedia courseware, emphasizing its potential to improve engagement, comprehension, and practical application of hydrological concepts. These insights aim to guide future development efforts and inform educators and developers in creating robust, effective educational tools in the domain of hydrology engineering.