CADTutor
http://www.cadtutor.net/
CADTutor offers free tutorials on various software titles divided into three categories. The AutoCAD category includes tutorials on three versions of the popular software. 3D Studio, Bryce, and Photoshop are among the titles in the Digital Design category, and Web Building covers Dreamweaver and FrontPage. Each tutorial is accompanied by illustrations and screen shots that clearly demonstrate the proper use of the application. An Image Bank section "provides free vector and raster images for use in your projects and tips on how best to use them." The site is maintained by a professor who teaches at the University of Greenwich and the University of Kingston. Its popularity has soared since its debut, and currently about 1,000 people visit the site each day. [CL]
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John Hopkins University: Signals Systems Control [RealAudio]
http://www.jhu.edu/~signals/index.html
The demonstrations given on this Web site are a collection of Java applets and RealAudio clips that explain many underlying concepts of math and engineering. They were developed at John Hopkins University for a project that attempts to use the technology of the World Wide Web in engineering education. Students, under the supervision of electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Rugh, have prepared many of the demonstrations. The moving graphics help illustrate such difficult topics as convolution, Fourier Series approximations, and signal sampling -- things that cannot be accomplished through traditional text book learning. A total of nineteen demonstrations are available, and one is still under construction. [CL]
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EngineersToolbox
http://www.engineerstoolbox.com/
The EngineersToolbox (ETB) is a handy Java applet that both students and professionals will find useful. Geared mainly toward mechanical, civil, and structural engineers, the ETB has a wide range of functions. Its main categories are Static Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, Fracture Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, and Other Utilities. Each category has several more specific modules that perform calculations of stress and strain, fatigue, polynomial roots, and others. Graphical modules such as Bode plots and two-dimensional function plots are even useful for non-engineers, and there is an extensive material properties database. An excellent interface and easy-to-use controls make this software a great tool for school or work. [CL]
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Figure This!: Math Challenges for Families
http://www.figurethis.org/
Figure This! is a project funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education that gives middle school students an exciting way to learn about math. In all, there are 80 "challenges" that stimulate mathematical reasoning with real-world scenarios. Each challenge starts with a description of the problem that incorporates suitably-named animated characters. A hint is also given, and the solution can be viewed separately. The Family Corner has some brochures that can help family members get involved in the child's education. Figure This! has won over a dozen Internet awards for its content. [CL]
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International Engineering Consortium: Online Education [.pdf]
http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/
A vast library of technical tutorials on telecommunication topics are available for download through the International Engineering Consortium (IEC). The donors of the tutorials are some of the most influential companies in the market today, with names like Intel, IBM, Cisco Systems, and Texas Instruments. To facilitate searching for a particular subject, the tutorials have been divided into browseable categories. All of the tutorials can be immediately viewed in HTML format, but to download the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files, a short registration is required. Registration is free, and there are many extras included, like "notifications of upcoming conferences and publications within your area of interest." This is an excellent tool to stay informed about current technology trends in the telecommunication industry. [CL]
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Ask Dr. Math
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/
Ask Dr. Math, which is operated at Drexel University, is the place to go to find answers to almost any kind of mathematics problem. An enormous browseable archive of questions and their solutions is divided into categories ranging from basic addition and subtraction to calculus and fractals. There are sections for elementary, middle school, high school, college students, and beyond. If you can't find the answer to your question, then you can email it to Dr. Math (although a response is not guaranteed). Dr. Math is not actually one person, but over 300 people volunteering from all over the world. The Web site has won numerous Internet awards and has been a favorite site for students for over seven years. [CL]
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Webopedia
http://www.webopedia.com/
Webopedia is an online dictionary with definitions of technical terms related to computers and the Internet. It provides easy-to-understand explanations of words and phrases that sometimes sound like confusing jargon to the untrained ear. Don't know what a trojan horse is? If not, just type the words into Webopedia's search engine, and the definition will appear. The Quick Reference area has "information on common Internet and computer facts and occurrences," including a microprocessor comparison chart, list of abbreviations, and an Internet time line, among others. Webopedia is updated daily with the Term of the Day and Recently Added words. [CL]
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Coolmath.com: Fractions
http://www.coolmath.com/lessons/index.html
For many elementary and middle school students, fractions are one of the most difficult topics to learn. The Fractions Web site on Coolmath.com offers seventeen lessons explaining everything from basic definitions to multiplying and dividing fractions. Color illustrations let students visualize exactly what fractions are and how they are used. For each lesson there is a thorough description, followed by numerous examples and practice problems with their solutions. This site does an excellent job of showing just how easy fractions can be and will hopefully relieve some student frustration. [CL]
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