Student Reactions to a Problem-based,Fourth-year Computing Elective in Civil Engineering

Following a significant course review in civil engineering at Monash University, a fourth-year computing elective was introduced in 1995. The author developed the subject as a project-based one, the aim being to allow students to pursue their own computing interests. This paper describes how the subject was run, and documented the student responses. The subject is a good example of student-directed learning, and the enthusiasm and energy which flow from students having ownership of their learning. It also shows how a subject can use a wide range of learning resources, including the Internet, to provide positive outcomes for the department as well as the students. Improvements for the future are included.