Interactive learning modules for electrical, computer and systems engineering

Abstract

Web-based multimedia tutorials are being developed for use in several undergraduate courses in electrical engineering and computer and systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA. These interactive learning modules (ILMs) are created with the Director authoring environment and can be deployed using a standard Web browser with Macromedia's Shockwave plug-in as the interface. The ILMs can be used by faculty for in-class presentations and demonstrations, by students for in-class, structured exercises (particularly in the studio format of course delivery) and by students anytime, anywhere via the Internet to explore concepts in more detail and gain practical experience in design and application. The ILMs are developed to provide application-based motivation for learning, present fundamental concepts using animation and visualization and provide interactive practice on problem-solving and open-ended design experience. ILMs are now available on the 555 timer IC, an electrical engineering fundamentals handbook (EE handbook), an electronics circuit card manufacturing handbook, common-emitter amplifier design, analog filters, operational amplifiers, Fourier analysis and convolution. They are currently being used in introductory courses in circuits, electronics, instrumentation and signals and systems, all of which are moving to the studio format. Initial experiences by both faculty and students have been very positive. The combination of interactive learning modules and the studio format of course delivery present a fundamentally new model for the delivery of engineering education.