Testimonials

PC based simulation studies are a useful learning tool, however, it does not create the 'feel of a physical system' that one encounters when using the TIMS system.  I have noted that today's students are subjected to many flat screen activities in both work and recreation but need the three dimensional activities which TIMS provides.  I feel that construction of an actual system (such as TIMS) should be a requirement to complement a simulation approach.

We consider the quality and construction of this equipment to be of the very highest standard and they have proven to be completely reliable.

Personally, I believe the more hands-on experience, the better the learning experience.  Being able to touch and move things around involve more of the senses and more activity from the student, increasing the possibility of retaining more from the experience.  I don't believe that computer-based simulators are the answer.  Such simulators are cost effective and that's the only benefit that might be derived from using them. However, put someone in the laboratory that has been trained entirely on simulators and that person will be lost.  I believe that TIMS and computer-based simulators have complementary roles.  As computers get less expensive and simulation software becomes cheap also, I would like to assign students homework that uses a simulator as preparatory work for using the TIMS equipment in the laboratory. Then I would have the best of both worlds.

The indestructibility of the modules makes it possible for students to experiment without fear of destroying the equipment. It's okay to make mistakes and then it's easy to correct them, learning a valuable lesson in the process.