Project-based learning and evaluation in an online digital design course

Abstract

This paper reports an experience of an abrupt shift from traditional teaching to distance learning within a course on digital system design using programmable logic platforms. The course organization and evaluation model had to be modified on the fly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The adopted teaching and assessment methodology puts a strong focus on the laboratory component, assigning a very significant weight to project-based evaluation. As the access to laboratory equipment was cut, all the previously accumulated experience had to be modified and adapted to new circumstances. The paper discusses teaching methods employed within the course and analyzes in detail a project-based evaluation accentuated on modeling of a simplified processor. The advantages and drawbacks of the reported teaching methods are appointed. Possible design extensions are also suggested, which permit assigning the same core project to different students. We believe that the proposed project is a valuable instructional tool, in particular, for remote learning/assessment.