Title: A New Pedagogy in Electrical and Computer Engineering: A Conceptual Approach
1A New Pedagogy in Electrical and Computer
Engineering A Conceptual Approach
- Neil Goldsman1, Zeynep Dilli
- Janet A. Schmidt, Lee Harper and
- Steven I. Marcus
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- (1)neil_at_eng.umd.edu
2Research Problem
Can we teach elements of advanced technology at
an early level on a conceptual basis?
- Hypothesis
- We can teach college-level electronics with
applications to high-school students by
emphasizing concepts.
3Introduction
- Developed an experimental program for high-school
students - Covers fundamental ECE areas
- Lecture and laboratory components
- Uses concepts and experience rather than higher
mathematics and theory - Enthusiastic student response Successful lab
experiments, good exam results, survey answers
4Program Goals
- Teach college-level electronics with the
following features in mind - Enjoyable experiential introduction to ECE
- Teach within context of a specific project or
application - Hands-on laboratory experience
- Conceptual background for later analytical study
- Providing
- Early exposure to ECE material
- Relevance and contribution of ECE to daily life
- Assistance for an informed career choice
- Evaluate the conceptual vs. mathematical approach
5Syllabus Design
- Distillation of freshman, sophomore junior
level college courses - Topics introduced
- Overview of ECE
- Basic analog electronics signal concepts
- Components PN-junction diodes, operational
amplifiers, bipolar junction transistors - Basic hi-fi amplifier design implementation and
fabrication - Digital logic digital circuits, computer
technology - Opto-electronics
- Kolb Learning Styles represented Convergers and
Assimilators
6Syllabus Features---Practical Links
- Immediate links to the real world for every
syllabus point - Electric field concept ? cathode ray tubes
- Frequency/amplitude of signals ? pitch and
loudness of musical notes - Rectification ? AC-DC conversion, power supplies
- Operational amplifiers ? summing, subtracting,
differentiating amplifiers - Filtering ? Stereo equalizers
- Hi-fi audio amplifier Students fabricated their
own - Digital logic design ? Vending machine algorithm
- Photonics ? Arcade game LaserAim
- Getting students to identify the fruits of
technology in daily life contributing to
self-motivation
7Practical Link Example Hi-fi Amp Project
Two-channel amp schematic
Optional tone control circuit
8Hi-fi Amp Project
Students built their own amplifiers, taking home
working electronics of their own handiwork and
experience
a piece of electronics that concretely
illustrates the first ¾ of the course using sound
(and vision, and solder scent), as well as
intellect.
9Hi-fi Amp Project
10Syllabus Features---Experiment Rewards
- 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
11Experiment Design Example
Summing amplifier experiment
BJT basics experiment bottom circuit, right
lab sheet
12Implementation
- 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
13Program Outcomes
- Focus groups, exam, student comments, survey
- Exam results six students got 90 or higher
- Example questions
(Sophomore level)
(Junior level)
14Program Outcomes
- 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
15Program 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
16Some Scenes
Hit indicators
Target indicators
LaserAim game
Targets
17Some Scenes
18Advanced Student Project
FSK Transmitter