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Project ITCH: Interactive Digital Simulation in Electrical Engineering Education.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Project ITCH: Interactive Digital Simulation in Electrical Engineering Education.
Authors: Bailey, F. N., Kain, R. Y., Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis. Dept. of Electrical Engineering.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 1973
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Graphics, Digital Computers, Engineering Education, Higher Education, Input Output, Interaction, Man Machine Systems, Pilot Projects, Program Descriptions, Simulation, Time Sharing, Undergraduate Study
Abstract: A two-stage project is investigating the educational potential of a low-cost time-sharing system used as a simulation tool in Electrical Engineering (EE) education. Phase I involves a pilot study and Phase II a full integration. The system employs interactive computer simulation to teach engineering concepts which are not well handled by traditional methods. It requires less mathematical sophistication of the student and provides him with a measure of control, but has the drawbacks of being less flexible and realistic than ordinary laboratory experiments. The ITCH approach provides graphic input and output and employs natural language dialogs. The hardware is based upon the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-8 line. Phase I software developments include the modification of a TSS/8 monitor and the design of instructional packages dealing with antennae Bode/Nyquist problems, point/line charges, Fourier problems, static fields transistors, root loci, phases and planes, linear filters, and amplifier design. Each package consists of a problem with appropriate inputs and outputs. Students specify parameters and request displays of results, thereby gaining insights into man-machine interactions and parameter-process relations. The packages developed to date are being tested with EE faculty and third year students. (LB)
Entry Date: 1974
Accession Number: ED082501
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A two-stage project is investigating the educational potential of a low-cost time-sharing system used as a simulation tool in Electrical Engineering (EE) education. Phase I involves a pilot study and Phase II a full integration. The system employs interactive computer simulation to teach engineering concepts which are not well handled by traditional methods. It requires less mathematical sophistication of the student and provides him with a measure of control, but has the drawbacks of being less flexible and realistic than ordinary laboratory experiments. The ITCH approach provides graphic input and output and employs natural language dialogs. The hardware is based upon the Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-8 line. Phase I software developments include the modification of a TSS/8 monitor and the design of instructional packages dealing with antennae Bode/Nyquist problems, point/line charges, Fourier problems, static fields transistors, root loci, phases and planes, linear filters, and amplifier design. Each package consists of a problem with appropriate inputs and outputs. Students specify parameters and request displays of results, thereby gaining insights into man-machine interactions and parameter-process relations. The packages developed to date are being tested with EE faculty and third year students. (LB)