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Session 2432

An Investigation of the Attitude of Learners toward Media Based Instructions of PSPICE in Electric Circuits Analysis

Feng Jao, Khalid S. Al-Olimat Ohio Northern University

Abstract

This paper explores the assessment results of an investigation of learners’ attitude toward media based instructional tool. The investigation is based on a survey completed by forty students enrolled in Electric Circuits courses at Ohio Northern University. The students are majoring in different engineering disciplines, namely computer, electrical and mechanical. The instructional tool is designed to tutor students on how to use the PSPICE circuit simulation program to analyze electric and electronic circuits. The information and data collected from survey and questionnaires was analyzed and used for the evaluation of attitudes toward the use of this media based instructional tool. Students have responded favorably to and expressed their satisfaction with the developed media based instructional tool.

Introduction

In recent years and due to the evolving technology and its attendant introduction of new material into the curriculum, most colleges face a demand to optimize their curriculum and increase the content of courses. This challenges educators to determine more efficient ways of designing their courses and presenting the material - the way they want it to be and not the way others want it to be since they are considered to be the experts in their areas - in order to ensure that students are provided with information to help them pass along the essential knowledge of their field and acquire computer skills to be adequately prepared to function as high quality professionals of the future.

For computer skills, computer simulation provides a simplification of reality due to its role in the design, analysis and evaluation of systems. A variety of software tools are available to simulate electric circuits. The most used software is PSPICE, a simple, an-easy-to-use software, and it can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.engineers-international.com/freeshare.html.

Meeting the instructional needs of students to learn the material is the keystone of every effective program. The tools of educational technology and software hold tremendous potential for improving both teaching and learning processes. Cohen et al [1] performed analysis of 74 studies that compared visual-based instruction with traditional instruction. They found that students learned more from visual-based instruction than from traditional teaching. It is evident from the paper by Powell et al [2] that computer based instruction may be the key to improving the grade point average of students. Bartsch and Cobern [3] found that PowerPoint presentation can be beneficial to students’ learning. Papers [4-8] reported that those who integrate technology in the learning process believe it will improve learning and better prepare students to effectively participate in the 21st century workplace. Today, educators are concerned with how to use

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Jao, F., & Al-Olimat, K. (2004, June), An Investigation Of The Attitude Of Learners Toward Media Based Instructions Of Pspice In Electric Circuits Analysis Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13226