Using Computers, Simulators And Sound To Give Hands On Experience

This paper describes hands-on, computer assisted classroom activities and projects which have been fully integrated into an introductory signals and systems course. They combine a system simulator with audio input and output to produce an effective and interesting educational experience. Audio input and output is very useful in making a result relevant to a generation of students who were raised on rock music. The block diagram oriented simulator allows students to work quickly and independently. This reduces the need for faculty and TA support so that activities can be done in the usual class periods or as projects assigned as part of homework. For this reason the approach described in this paper could be used in other classes without significantly affecting the present syllabus. In addition, many of the described activities and projects could be easily extended to courses in communication, control, digital signal processing and speech processing.