26-10-2010, 01:00 PM
[attachment=6809]
[b An Innovative Method of Teaching Digital System Design in
an Undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering
Curriculum[/b]
O. B. Adamo, Student Member, IEEE, P. Guturu, Senior Member, IEEE and M. R. Varanasi, Life Fellow, IEEE
Department of Electrical Engineering
University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207, USA
Abstract —
In this paper, we present an innovative method
of teaching digital system design in an undergraduate
electrical and computer engineering curriculum. We present
a project-based approach to teaching digital system design as
opposed to the traditional method that uses conventional
classroom lectures with short laboratory exercises. In our
approach, students are exposed to a series of industrial-like,
semester-long projects that cover fundamental topics in
digital system design such as combinational circuit design,
sequential circuit design, state machine design, etc. These
projects are carried out in groups, thereby developing the
students’ abilities to work in teams. We present evidence that
this project approach offers benefits such as increased
student interest and better retention. Currently, 62 percent of
our senior design projects are directly related to the concepts
presented in this innovative course.
