Abstract:

The size reduction of modern electronic systems combined with the significant increase in heat generation necessitates the development and use of original and innovative thermal models aimed at effectively reducing the impact of heat.

Considering the need for training specialists in the field of thermal management of electronic equipment, we have developed the project "Engineering Education and Science for the Benefit of Business in the Design of Heat Transfer of Electronic Equipment" at the University of Plovdiv, which started in May 2019. This paper presents the results from the first year of the project.

One of the main objectives of the project is development of "Thermal Management of Electronic Equipment" course which is offered as an elective to PhD and Master's degree students. The course curriculum is developed in collaboration with business representatives, giving them the opportunity to participate actively in the training of the future specialists in thermal design. The course is uploaded in the Internet-based Performance Support Environment DIPSEIL. DIPSEIL focuses on learner’s activity and self-learning, aided by instructions for completing assignments, educational materials, additional resources and expert advice.

An assessment plan has been developed for evaluation of the acquired knowledge and competences by PhD and Master’s students in the field of heat transfer in electronic equipment as a result of the usage of a performance-support e-learning environment. The evaluation will be done in two stages: on the first stage university teachers will evaluate students’ achievements according to their learning outcomes during the course. On the second stage business representatives will evaluate the quality of education on the basis of thermal models developed by students.

Keywords:

e-learning, digital thermal models, performance support system, thermal management.