Name of the Thesis: a Computer Based Education System for Signal Processing

In this work, computer based education (CBE) methods are applied to signal processing. The work consists of developing a CBE environment for signal processing education and as a case study, building a CBE application “Introduction to Signal Processing” with that environment. The application was used as training material within the course “Fundamentals of Acoustics I” and based on that, a user feedback analysis was performed. An overview of computer based education theory and principles is presented. Also, two CBE design methods, the Lifländer method and the Lessonware method along with several authoring tools are discussed. Signal processing education has been evaluated in this thesis. The suitability of CBE methods in signal processing has been proven. A number of signal processing software tools and education related examples are presented. The signal processing software environment QuickSig based on Common Lisp language is introduced and new hypermedia features including “HotAreas”, graphical user interface (GUI), and navigation tool needed for CBE developing are discussed. A log-system with appropriate login and logout dialogs for later usage analysis is also presented. A CBE application “Introduction to Signal Processing” is examined. The educational contents of the application is based on a query performed with the Helsinki University of Technology signal processing education staff and on literature of the field. Interactive excercises are presented with examples. The target group and goals for the application are explained. The user feedback analysis results are discussed. Finally, the work is summarized and future prospects are examined.