Abstract – WeBWorK is a widely-used open-source,
online homework tool where instructors may author their
own problems, or select problems from an Open Problem
Library. While it is extensively and globally used in
mathematics, there are few problems available for
engineering subjects. Due to initial student feedback
based on mathematics problems, we decided to compare
WeBWorK directly to our Blackboard Learn LMS for
online homework during an integrated second-year
Mechanical Engineering program.
Students were assigned two problem sets in
Blackboard and two problem sets in WeBWorK, and then
completed a survey. Results show a strong preference for
WeBWorK in all areas, including ease of use, ease of
navigation, clear feedback, reported enhancement of
learning, etc.
We outline the primary benefits and drawbacks of
using WeBWorK, and conclude by recommending
WeBWorK for online homework in engineering courses.