Development of Computer Based Instruction in a Control Systems Curriculum

The NSF-sponsored Greenfield Coalition for New Manufacturing Education delivers innovative instruction in manufacturing engineering and technology to candidates who work and learn at Focus: HOPE’s Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT), located in Detroit. Computer based multimedia instructional modules designed for this curriculum provide innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for the candidates, many of whom come from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. Extensive use of animation, hypertext, and video and audio clips are used to make the component knowledge areas more accessible to candidates of differing learning styles, pre-college preparation, life experience, etc. In addition, case studies relevant to the candidates’ work at the CAT provide additional insight and motivation. This paper describes an initiative to develop, deliver, and evaluate a control systems curriculum for use in the Greenfield Coalition. The curriculum must serve candidates in both the engineering and engineering technology programs. This presents some unique challenges that must be addressed throughout the planning, development, and delivery phases of the project. The study of control systems is usually quite challenging for engineering students, especially for non-EE majors. Computer-based instruction will make the concepts more interesting and easier to understand for the candidates for whom the curriculum is being developed. Authorware 3.0 is being used to develop this courseware. It is an objectoriented authoring tool that supports the integration of text, graphics, animation, audio, and video. The Iconic/Flow Control paradigm on which it is based makes it a powerful platform for the rapid prototyping of courseware modules. The paper also addresses the philosophy and instructional objectives which will guide the curriculum development process. A sample module is described, and a working courseware module will be demonstrated at the conference.