Enhancing Learning Experience With Dynamic Animation

This paper reports on the use of dynamic animation to enhance learning and interest for a senior level course on system analysis.This course includes analytic methods from both frequency and time domains with emphasis on real world problems.Ansim, the freely available Mathworks animation toolbox, was chosen because it works seamlessly with Matlab/Simulink, a required software for the EE undergraduate curriculum.A series of lab sessions are introduced to the class to complement the lecture materials and to guide the students into the design project.The use of animation provides many advantages: better visual effects, improved communications, and higher interest levels.Student response has been very positive.A number of recommendations are made in this work based on instructor observation and course evaluations.