a new pedagogy in electrical and computer engineering: a conceptual approach 2

Hi-fi Amp Project

• Every subject had accompanying experiments• Designed for immediate sensory feedback• LEDs as current or level indicators• LEDs as 1/0 indicators• Computer interface keeping score for the arcade game

• Physical reinforcement to the more abstract concepts

Syllabus Features---Experiment Rewards

Experiment Design Example

Summing amplifier experiment

BJT basics experiment; bottom: circuit, right: lab sheet

Sensory Feedback Example

LaserAim game Targets

Target indicators

Hit indicators

Shows connection: photonics, electronics, computers & optical communications

• Morning lecture, afternoon lab, five days a week• Standard lab setup, working in pairs except for individual hi-fi

amp fab• Empty lab templates provided to indicate what should be

observed• Co-curricular modules: Biotechnology and artificial intelligence

discussions; laser sensor lab tour

Implementation

• Focus groups, exam, student comments, survey• Exam results: six students got 90% or higher• Example questions:

Program Outcomes

(Sophomore level)

(Junior level)

• Focus groups & end-of-semester surveys identify benefits for students and educators• Student gains:• Ability of identifying ECE in daily life• Hands-on experience: lab equipment and procedure,

debugging experience• “It works!”• High-average in mid-program exam; working, practical,

packaged audio amplifiers• Informed career decision

Program Outcomes

• Educator gains:• Early exposure to ECE material• Early experience of lab work and problems• Students appreciate:

• conceptual focus• immediate feedback in experiments

• Kolb Learning Styles: Convergers and Assimilators benefited likewise• Appeal to self-motivation effective

Program Outcomes

Some Scenes