Improvement of classroom teaching of electromagnetics by means of an electronic book

Abstract

Abstract-This paper discusses techniques used to develop an electronic book about electromagnetics. The techniques are based on problem-based learning, which is the latest method used for teaching. This method, together with engineering tools, is well suited for teaching these subjects to students in Asia. The proposed techniques allows teaching to be not limited to paper study by allowing the use of multimedia methods and computational electromagnetics. This enables the users to have a variety of means for the study of these areas. The embedded computing software and the design program also enhance the users' interest.Index Terms-Education, inductor, internet, web page design.

Assessment-based use of CAD tools in electromagnetic field courses

“…While the last several decades have seen an increased interest in using CAD tools to improve teaching and learning in undergraduate electromagnetics courses, it is important to consider carefully how this is implemented [1], [6], [7]. In some cases, instructors may be tempted to design CAD-based exercises in an ad hoc fashion, or motivated by the context of commercial electromagnetic simulation software accessible to them.…”

“…T EACHING undergraduate electromagnetics has historically been a challenge, as it requires extensive presentation of the basic theoretical and abstract concepts that underlie most electrical engineering principles [1]- [5]. Consequently, students are not necessarily enjoying the material nor learning sufficiently to understand its essential role in their global undergraduate curriculum.…”

“…Consequently, students are not necessarily enjoying the material nor learning sufficiently to understand its essential role in their global undergraduate curriculum. Therefore, the improvement of teaching electromagnetics courses has received notable interest over, at least, the last two decades [1]- [13]. One approach being increasingly employed for this purpose is introducing the use of computational analysis and design (CAD) tools in these courses [3], [7], [12], [13].…”

“…In a well-designed CAD tool-based teaching environment, the resultant benefit to student learning should justify the various associated implementation costs [1], [6], [7]. For example, a main theme to emerge during the panel discussion at Compumag 2003 was that CAD tools must be user-friendly and capable of providing near real-time feedback to the student.…”

“…For example, a main theme to emerge during the panel discussion at Compumag 2003 was that CAD tools must be user-friendly and capable of providing near real-time feedback to the student. In addition, it should be noted that the time devoted to learning through interaction with CAD tools will, necessarily, be at the expense of available time for other teaching strategies [1], [3]. Hence, these learning requirements illustrate the possible value of a careful "needs assessment" of how CAD tools may be most effectively incorporated into electromagnetics undergraduate courses [2], [16].…”