Multimedia in the teaching of digital signal processing

Multimedia learning is being introduced at all levels of the BE degree in Electronics and Communications at the University of New England (UNE). In this paper, the use of a multimedia approach as a package for a final-year unit on digital signal processing (DSP) is discussed and analysed. Sound and images, together with computer simulations, not only substantially increase interest and enthusiasm, but more importantly, they allow students to assimilate concepts more rapidly, and learn to handle them more efficiently. We use the multimedia education package for teaching and learning during formal class periods and encourage students to use the package in their own private study. The success of the venture has encouraged us to extend the multimedia approach to a selection of other units in the BE (Electronics and Communications) degree programme at UNE.