Multimedia and technology based electromagnetic education

Abstract

For years students and educators alike expressed frustration with the teaching and learning of the subject of electromagnetics. Microwave application areas, high frequency electronics, fast computers, and wireless-based technologies continued to grow and expand, yet concepts of electromagnetics, so familiar to practitioners, continued to be mysterious and challenging to learn for beginners. The Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) played a key leadership role in using computers and software tools to stimulate and support the teaching and learning of electromagnetics. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation in late 1980s that AP-S was able to unify much of the ongoing individualized efforts and further motivate the use of innovative multimedia modules, virtual laboratories, and software tools in electromagnetic education. During this period, the Computer Applications for Electromagnetic Education (CAEME) Center was established and through the remarkable vision of the AP-S leadership including Dr. Iren Peden, Dr. David Chang, and late Professor Robert E. Collin, CAEME developed software books in electromagnetics, and produced CD ROMs for teaching and learning electromagnetics. Available CD ROMs include video clips, and extensive assets of innovative multimedia modules including virtual labs and instruments, simulation software, and virtual participation in practical applications. Several IEEE and non-IEEE societies participated in this effort including the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society, Electromagnetic Compatibility Society and the Applied Electromagnetic Society (ACES). The program continued for several years even after the NSF funding, thanks to corporate support and the income from the distribution of the CAEME publications.