Interactive learning modules for electrical engineering education

Abstract

Interactive learning modules (ILMs) are being developed for use in several undergraduate courses in Engineering at Rensselaer. These multimedia materials are created with the Director authoring environment and can be accessed via a standard Web browser. Instructors can use ILMs for in-class demonstrations, students can use them for structured exercises and learners can use them anytime, anywhere via the Internet. The ILMs allow the students to explore concepts in more detail and gain practical experience in design and application. This paper discusses the development, utilization and assessment of ILMs that are currently being used in our introductory engineering courses in circuits, electronics, instrumentation, and signals and systems, all of which are moving to Rensselaer's Studio mode of delivery. The initial experiences by both faculty and students have been very positive, indicating that a combination of using interactive learning modules in the Studio format of course delivery offers a new model for engineering education.