Using Multimedia Case Studies as Teaching Aids for a Discrete Event Simulation Course

In an applied introductory Discrete Event Simulation course, students learn the mechanics of developing simulation models and how those models can be used to analyze and improve processes. Often models are developed from word descriptions of manufacturing or service processes. The problems are also intentionally simplified to facilitate students who are being exposed to simulation for the first time and who also have varied backgrounds and experiences. In order for a more complex, real-world process to be assessed, students need a common understanding of or exposure to the process under study. The best method to assist with this leveling of student understanding is to have students spend time viewing the process. However, this is not always practical in a classroom setting. Therefore with the help of several students, I developed a multimedia case study for my Discrete Event Simulation course. The case study is hosted on a frames-based web environment, and includes numerous pictures, drawings, a movie file, and a simulation model with animation. In this paper I discuss the rationale for using a multimedia approach, the advantages of the multimedia approach, and students’ reaction to the multimedia case study.