How to manipulate interactive E-book on learning natural catastrophe—An example of structural mechanics using power machine

Economic losses caused by natural disasters have increased rapidly in recent years. Therefore, learning about natural catastrophe will be helpful for saving life and reducing cost. This study explores the effect of using the interactive electronic book available from Lego Simple Power Machine sets for learning. The applications for Power Machine are wide, such as in robots manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and intelligent devices. Based on the theory of Human–Computer Interaction, user-centered design is a modern and widely practiced design philosophy rooted in the idea that users must take center-stage in the design of any computer system. An interactive electronic book is developed to test learning achievement with the Lego Simple Power Machine set. The results reveal that the attention of users can be improved and the image can also be improved during the interaction and operation process. Finally, this study proves that the interactive electronic book makes learning easier and faster than the traditional book. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013