Learning signal processing concepts and psychoacoustics in the QuickSig DSP environment

1.1 Hypermedia and DSP In this paper a Computer-Based Education (CBE) system is described that is built on top of the QuickSig DSP programming environment. As two CBE applications we discuss the implementation and use of "Introduction to Signal Processing" and "Fundamentals of Psychoacoustics" that exploit modern multi and hypermedia features on new computers. The signal processing that is applied, the sound UO, the graphical user interface, and the CBE navigation system are presented. 1. BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION Computer Based Education (CBE) means (in a broad sense) using computers in education for all kinds of purposes*). This includes both the learning process itself and the educational administration. Typically, CBE applies hypermedia tools to accomplish these tasks. Even though CBE can be applied in almost any education, it is not always meaningful. Using CBE must be in some way more useful than ordinary teaching methods. That is why the starting point for every CBE-project is to think if CBE can give something "extra" or perhaps a "better way" in the means of education compared to ordinary methods. However, with Signal Processing and especially with Digital Signal Processing, CBE can be very fruitful. Another important aspect is the quality of CBE, which includes both the quality of the contents and the quality of the application, namely its user interface. Getting high quality requires careful planning. Luckyly, a number of design methods for CBE exist. These methods help defining the contents and the logical structure as well as the interface itself. The key idea is that the emphasis of a CBEapplication should allways be on the subject, not on the program itself! Both the structure and the interface should support that principle. In our project we have used the Liflander design method [l], based on the studies of learning by Engestrom [2], and also some ideas of the Lessonware [3].