The impact of CAI emphasizing visual feedback on industrial distribution students at Texas A&M

The authors have developed prototype modules of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) for electronic devices and automation systems emphasizing visual feedback. The visual feedback is established and maintained through animations and visual simulations depicting the essence of each concept. Visual simulations are pre-selected, fixed-path animations selected by parameters interactively set by the student. A prototype diodes/rectifiers module was initially introduced as a lecture demonstration. Students were encouraged to used the materials and an informal assessment was made based on student feedback. The students liked the color, feedback, repeatability and "change-of-pace" provided by the modules. A comparison of actual test scores on rectifier problems between the three semesters yields mixed results on the effect of the prototype material. Future modules will incorporate student recommendations, focus more on the general systems perspective and have stricter evaluation designs based on the results of these prototype materials.