This paper introduces inductive instruction strategy that is applied to Digital Systems design with VHDL class. This class demands extensive simulations using Xilinx ISE design suite and FPGA board for implementation and testing, which is tough and challenging for first-time learners. To improve students’ learning experience and outcomes, we integrate inductive instruction, active learning techniques and demonstration-based learning in the Digital System design class. In this paper, a specific circuit, e.g., 7-segment LED time-multiplexing circuit of S3 board, serves as an example to illustrate inductive instruction. The traditional instructional methods are adopted in 2014 while inductive instruction strategy is applied in 2015 for the first time and is further enriched in 2016. Students’ learning outcomes are recorded from 2014 to 2016. We observe that students have better understanding on the topics in 2015 and 2016. In addition, the teaching evaluations have improved over the past three years.
Dr. Yanxiao Zhao is an Associate Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Zhao’s research interests include, but not limited to: Internet of things (IoT), 5/6G communications, machine learning, cyber security, wireless energy harvesting, power management and communications in smart grid. Dr. Zhao’s research has been supported by NSF, NASA, Air Force and Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI). Dr. Zhao has published over 80 papers in prestigious journals and international conferences. She was the recipient of the Best Paper Award for three international conferences WASA2009, ChinaCom2016 and ICMIC2019. She has been actively organizing international conferences by serving as TPC chairs, publicity chairs and TPC members. She is an IEEE Senior Member.
Dr. Shaobo Huang is an Assistant Professor and the Stensaas Endowed STEM Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Her research interests include student retention and academic performance in engineering, student achievement evaluation and assessment, and K-12 STEM curriculum design.
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