Interactive tools for education in automatic control

Abstract

Experiments have shown that the time is now ripe for a new generation of interactive learning tools for control. The tools are based on objects which admit direct graphical manipulation. During manipulations, objects are updated instantaneously, so that relations between objects are maintained all the time. The tools are natural complements to traditional education, and allow students to quickly gain insight and motivation. A high degree of interactivity has been found to be a key issue in the design. Together with a high bandwidth in the man-machine interaction, this enhances learning significantly. Another nice feature is the possibility to hide minor issues and focus on the essentials. It is not easy to describe the power of these tools adequately in text. The best way to appreciate them is simply to use them. We believe that there is a strong pedagogical potential for the type of tools that we have described. We are also of the opinion that we are only at the very beginning in the development of learning tools of this type. The addition of sound and animation are interesting avenues that should be pursued.