Tutorial and simulation electrooptic and acoustooptic software as innovative methodology to improve the quality of electronic and computer engineering formation

M. Del Carmen García Martínez, Jesús Fernández-Sánchez, M. Jesús Aguilera Ureña, M. De La Salud Climent Bellido, Gerardo Pedrós Pérez, Marta Varo-Martínez, Pilar Martínez-Jiménez

Description

302 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EDUCATION, VOL. 49, NO. 2, MAY 2006 Tutorial and Simulation Electrooptic and Acoustooptic Software as Innovative Methodology to Improve the Quality of Electronic and Computer Engineering Formation Pilar Martínez-Jiménez, Marta Varo-Martínez, Gerardo Pedros Perez, M. del Carmen García Martínez, M. de la Salud Climent Bellido, M. Jesús Aguilera Ureña, and Jesús Fernández-Sánchez Abstract—In this paper, an introduction to the main design process [8]. Both solving problems and the approximation and features of a computer-aided educational package addressed to performing of experiments by pupils can be considered guided students of the final years of Electronic and Computer Engi- activities [9]. Thus, the computer can be used as a reflection neering is presented. The software includes interrelated tutorial, device, in which students are the protagonists of their owncomputer simulations, and test questions in which graphical learning process [10], [11].outputs, hypertexts, and animations are widely used. The package is devoted to the simulation study of electrooptic and acoustooptic To improve the rate of success and to adapt the curricula of theory and devices. It provides instant numerical evaluation and electronic and computer engineers to the requirements of new a graphical display of different studies.

Informations

• Publié par: helvia
• Publié le: 01 janvier 2006
• Nombre de lectures: 24
• Licence : En savoir +
  Paternité, pas d'utilisation commerciale, pas de modification
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

302

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON EDUCATION, VOL. 49, NO. 2, MAY 2006

Tutorial and Simulation Electrooptic and

Acoustooptic Software as Innovative

Methodology to Improve the Quality

of Electronic and Computer

Engineering Formation

Pilar Martínez-Jiménez, Marta Varo-Martínez, Gerardo Pedros Perez, M. del Carmen García Martínez,

M. de la Salud Climent Bellido, M. Jesús Aguilera Ureña, and Jesús Fernández-Sánchez

Abstract—

In this paper, an introduction to the main design

features of a computer-aided educational package addressed to

students of the final years of Electronic and Computer Engi-

neering is presented. The software includes interrelated tutorial,

computer simulations, and test questions in which graphical

outputs, hypertexts, and animations are widely used. The package

is devoted to the simulation study of electrooptic and acoustooptic

theory and devices. It provides instant numerical evaluation and

a graphical display of different studies. The software presented in

this paper has all the following features: an integrative character,

self-evaluation tests, a personalized and active learning process,

adaptability to teacher’s aims, versatility as a teaching tool, mul-

timedia resources, and simplicity. This study has been completed

with final-year students at the Superior Polytechnic School of

Cordoba, Spain, with highly favorable results when compared

with students who did not use the software.

Index Terms—

Acoustooptic devices, collaborative work, educa-

tional technology, electrooptic devices, simulation software.

I. I

NTRODUCTION

I

N the past few years, important changes have taken place

in research areas related to the teaching of engineering [1],

[2], and new models of didactic intervention, oriented toward

the construction of significant knowledge, was introduced at

the same time as the increase in the development and use of

new information technology in education (computers, audiovi-

sual media, and multimedia equipment) [3], [4].

In this context, numerous studies [5], [6] have demonstrated

the benefits of the use of the new technologies at an educational

level, such as instruments for resolving exercises and problems,

tools for carrying out simulations of experiments and scientific

phenomena [7], or tools for measuring and controlling labora-

tory experiments.

Some published works have shown the interesting pos-

sibilities offered by computer applications to promote the

comprehension of concepts by means of the conceptual change

Manuscript received April 4, 2005; revised February 10, 2006.

The authors are with the Department Applied Physics, Avda. María Virgen y

Madre, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14071

SPAIN.

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TE.2006.873987

process [8]. Both solving problems and the approximation and

performing of experiments by pupils can be considered guided

activities [9]. Thus, the computer can be used as a reflection

device, in which students are the protagonists of their own

learning process [10], [11].

To improve the rate of success and to adapt the curricula of

electronic and computer engineers to the requirements of new

societal and industrial challenges, a new discipline (subject) in

higher education was introduced at the Superior Polytechnic

School of Cordoba University, Cordoba, Spain: Optical Com-

munication Systems.

The course on Optical Communication Systems has a total of

45 hours assigned. The main topics treated are 1) optic, 2) elec-

trooptic theory and devices, 3) acoustooptic theory and devices,

4) optic fiber, and 5) optic communication systems.

When the student faces this course, he or she has already re-

ceived a sound basis in analog and digital electronics and basic

courses in mathematics and physics.

In the general program of this discipline two thematic units

have been included:

electrooptics

and

acoustooptics

.

In the normal course of the subject, throughout the first

and second academic years (1996–1997 and 1997–1998); the

teachers in charge noticed that students had difficulties in un-

derstanding these thematic units. This situation was aggravated

because little didactic material on the theme existed even though

an important investigation was developing [12]. To improve the

level of teaching and encourage self-learning, a decision was

made to develop a computer application (simulation laboratory)

that would enable students to study all the basic theoretical

aspects of these disciplines and permit the simulation and visu-

alization of general problems and the behavior of the devices,

obtaining both numerical and graphic results.

As a result, the research team carried out an educational

project related to the development, application, and evaluation

of an Electro-optic and Acousto-optic Multimedia Simulation

Laboratory (EAMSL), in which a theoretical–practical study

was conducted into basic principles of physics and the main

electrooptic and acoustooptic devices.

The general aims intended in this process were as follows:

• to relate the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching;

0018-9359/$20.00 © 2006 IEEE