Development Of A Communications Course Integrating A Virtual Laboratory And Complex Simulations

Faculty in the Electrical Engineering Department at UTEP created a new course in communications to complement the preparation of students in advanced technologies. They implemented a cost-effective solution by the construction of a computer-based laboratory for modeling and simulation of communication systems linked with a customized lecture. The course included approaches such as cooperative learning to enhance students' problem-solving and conceptual-thinking skills. The lab assignments required the real construction of a small network and the simulation in a computer system. The virtual part of the lab was implemented by using PC-based computer simulation tools. Students are able to access a variety of software packages for analysis of different communications systems either locally or remotely. In addition there are several physical devices that will be configured by the students creating a real network. In such way they cover the theory, then have real practice assembling a small network, and finally simulate large scale systems. The topics covered in the lab can be divided into three categories: communication signals, fiber optic & wireless links, and communication networks. Senior and graduate students are the primary users of this lab. Typically, this lab can be utilized as a supplement to the existing communication courses or be taken as an elective course.