Developing multimedia tutorials for simulation software instruction

Multimedia tutorials were created for a simulation software system for use in an academic setting. These tutorials were developed to demonstrate the software interface both prior to and during its use, and to further illustrate certain simulation concepts. Such a scheme naturally supports self-paced study. Moreover, the class time devoted to demonstrating the software was reduced, and formal computer laboratories for this express purpose were no longer required. The tutorials were found to be more efficient and effective than comparable traditional approaches.