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Session 1722

Wireless Technology as a Tool for Interactive Learning in Electrical Engineering Courses

Fernando Rios-Gutiérrez, Rocio Alba-Flores

Electrical and Computer Engineering Department University of Minnesota Duluth friosgut@d.umn.edu, ralbaflo@d.umn.edu

Abstract

This paper describes the educational experience gained by the introduction of wireless computer technology that is used as a learning tool in the Digital System Design and Microprocessor System Design courses in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The wireless capability is used to access class material and lab tools, and makes the learning process more dynamic and interactive. It also makes difficult topics more accessible and easier to understand to the students. The paper concludes with a description of the assessment for the course and a discussion of future uses of this technology.

1.0 Introduction

The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), College of Science and Engineering requires engineering and computer science majors to have a personal computer equipped with wireless access for use in some of their classes, the students can choose to use a normal laptop computer, or a smaller iPAQ pocket PC, but the use of the later one is preferred due to its small size. The purpose of the wireless PC requirement is both to enhance the technological environment of the engineering and computer science classroom, and to better prepare UMD students to be competitive in the work world. In particular, UMD students use the wireless equipped computer and Internet connection as a tool in class and lab, for learning and working and to interact with the professor. The wireless capability is cutting edge technology, and it has very recently and very rapidly become an important tool of practicing professionals in engineering, industry, business, and information technology.

The main motivation to use the handheld PC computer and to implement the wireless access at UMD was to provide computing and network access to the faculty and student body at any place inside campus, and to make the learning experience for the students more interactive. The main academic interest for the use of the wireless network as a teaching and research tool involves but is not limited to the following applications:

“Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2004, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Alba-Flores, R., & Rios-Gutierrez, F. (2004, June), Wireless Technology As A Tool For Interactive Learning In Electrical Engineering Courses Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13192