Interactive Tools on Microelectronics for Early Science and Engineering Students

该项目正在开发材料，为大学一年级和社区学院的学生提供进入微电子学的“门户”。 该项目使用两套工具-虚拟实验（即基于计算机的模拟）和一套新的现实实验室模块。 虚拟实验为学生提供了他们可以操纵的对象和过程的视觉表示。 一些虚拟实验描述了实验室模块和其他提供可操纵（虚拟）微电子设备的经验。 虚拟和现实实验都强调通过实践获得知识。 我们希望引导学生在不需要复杂的数学或其他先决条件的情况下理解基本原理。材料将以不同的方式组合，以适应不同的教育需求和兴趣。 软件“网关小程序”将提供一个分层介绍该领域，让学生“撕开”一台计算机，以揭示电路，芯片和嵌入式微电子设备。 一个独立的自助游将通过网络提供给任何对“那些神秘芯片”感到好奇的人。校园内的软件和硬件实验将被用于“插入”模块，这些模块被纳入几个现有课程或用于新课程。这些材料正在由一个具有广泛微电子和软件经验的团队开发，并正在社区学院和大学校园进行测试。

This project is developing materials to provide a "gateway" into microelectronics for first year university and community college students. The project uses two sets of tools -- virtual experiments (that is, computer-based simulations) and a novel set of real-life laboratory modules. Virtual experiments provide students with visual representations of objects and processes that they can manipulate. Some virtual experiments describe the laboratory modules and others provide experience with manipulable (virtual) microelectronic devices. Both virtual and real-life experimments emphasize the acquisition of knowledge by doing. We hope to guide students toward an understanding of underlying principles without the need for complex mathematical or other prerequisites.Materials will be combined in different ways to suit varied educational needs and interests. Software "Gateway Applets" will provide a layered introduction to the field, allowing a students to "tear apart" a computer to reveal circuits, chips, and embedded microelectronic devices. A stand-alone self-guided tour will be available via the Web for anyone curious about "those mysterious chips." On-campus, software and hardware experiments will be used in "drop-in" modules incorporated into several existing courses or used in new courses.The materials are being developed by a team with extensive microelectronis and software experience and are being tested at community college and university campuses.