Abstract:

In this paper we present the characteristics of a multimedia system for self-learning digital signal processing techniques. This system is called SIMAT-TDS (“SIstema Multimedia para el Autoaprendizaje de Técnicas de Tratamiento Digital de la Señal”, in Spanish) and is used by students of Telecommunication Engineering in the University of Jaén (SPAIN).
Among the features of this system, we emphasize:
- Multi-environment: this tool can be used remotely via an Internet connection through a Web browser. Also it can be used “in place” installing the application on the local hard disk of a PC. It is available for download online via Web and through the distribution of CD-ROM.
- Flexible: it allows easily to extend-eliminate-modify the contents lodged at this one (electronic books, virtual laboratory, technological pills).
- Adaptable: according to the knowledge level of the user, access to the contents is enabled or not.
SIMAT-TDS facilitates the learning of the students. It offers the possibility of learning, independent both from the standpoint of time and place, avoiding the saturation for the overlapping with other students. It also provide a single meeting point for all students of the University of Jaen studying subjects related to Digital Signal Processing. This facilitates the exchange of experiences across the available tools (forums, surveys) for their participation.
SIMAT-TDS becomes a powerful tool of autolearning, where the student finds sufficient information for the correct follow-up of the theoretical contents of the subjects, as well as the accomplishment of practices, personalizing them (you can alter the input signals, change the parameters of the functional blocks, simulating new systems). SIMAT-TDS tries to use the processing power of the computer, increasing the didactic diversity, as effective complement of the most conventional methodologies.
It also includes a Virtual Lab that allows to the students to learn using the trial and error method. They can repeat the same practice without limit. They can be in the laboratory as long as they want, and choose the most significant practices to realize them as often as they want.
The development of the system has led to the generation and collection of a large amount of multimedia contents. Each subject related with the digital signal processing will have electronic books, a library of graphical modules for their use in the virtual laboratory and some of what we have named "technological pills". These are short multimedia material where, in a very simple form, explains some techniques that are covered in the subject.
Beyond the "technological pills" proper of each subject, will be elaborated pills for people unfamiliar with engineering. The main recipient of these would be high school students in order to attract potential new students, but could also be used as divulgate material for general public.

Keywords:

Multimedia, signal processing, auto learning, virtual lab, technology, innovation.