Algorithms and Computer Methods in Digital Signal Processing

Session 3532

AN INTEGRATED WEB SITE FOR A DIGITAL LOGIC DESIGN LABORATORY

Dean R. Johnson, Associate Professor

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan

(http://www.unix.cc.wmich.edu/~johnson)

(616) 387-4061

FAX (616) 387-4024

Version 1-11-99

INTRODUCTION

A web site providing on-line materials for a freshman level digital logic design laboratory in electrical and computer engineering is presented. The web site is designed to integrate the laboratory program with other components of the digital logic class, such as the lecture and on-line testing materials. The Western Michigan University ECE250 web site http://www.unix.cc.wmich.edu/~johnson/ece250 has been in existence for three years and is a prototype course with on-line materials for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' proposed new information systems division. The class web site provides laboratory materials to 130-180 engineering and computer science students each semester. Laboratory materials are formatted in Adobe portable document format and are provided on w weekly basis. The web site provides close integration between the lecture and laboratory in a manner not possible with traditional means.

PAINTING NEW VISTAS WITH ON-LINE MATERIALS

The laboratory program in ECE 250 Digital Logic is coordinated with other elements of the course through the class web site. The web site provides a number of support elements associated with the lecture and laboratory programs, including a calendar, download area, and scheduler. Integration between lecture and laboratory is provided through the scheduler and download area, which provides coordination and structure for both components.

EMPLOYING ADOBE'S VERNERABLE PDF FORMAT

Laboratory exercises are posted in the download area every week. The exercises are encoded in Adobe portable document format (pdf), an example of which is shown. For on-line reading, it is best to format the text with small marginsThe laboratory program in ECE 250 Digital Logic is coordinated with other elements of the course through the class web site. The web site provides a number of support components associated with the lecture and laboratory programs, including a calendar, download area, and scheduler. Tight integration between lecture and laboratory is coordinated through the scheduler and download area, which provides on-line timing and materials used in both components.

Laboratory exercises are posted in the download area every week.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author would like to thank Dr. S. Hossein Mousavinezhad, WMU Chairman of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department for his help and encouragement.

REF E R E N C E S

[1]. “The Practical Xilinx Designer Lab Book”, by Dave Van den Bout, Prentice Hall, 1998.

Biographical Information

DEAN R. JOHNSON

Dr. Johnson is Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western Michigan University. His expertise focuses on the computer systems and fiber optics communication systems.

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