A Hands-on course in data communications for technologists

Abstract

Traditional undergraduate communication courses have focused on analog transmission systems, which can be coupled with a fairly simple laboratory component. The emergency of modern technologies has changed the focus from analog to digital systems, making data communications an essential area of study for students of several technology majors. However, due to the complexity and cost of equipment that can emulate digital concepts, offering an undergraduate course in data communication with a supplemental hardware laboratory is not as straightforward as in the analog case. Simulation only based laboratory is an alternative solution but are not a substitute for hands-on experiments with circuit hardware and real signals. A reasonable solution for this dilemma is to offer a data communication laboratory component with a mixed of computer-aided techniques, traditional communication circuitry and basic instruments, Emona Telecoms-Trainer ETT 101 communications modules, and an end of semester practical application project. This hybrid solution allows for a relatively low-cost and flexible data communications laboratory experience. This paper presents an overview of the experiments that have been developed for a data communication course, and discusses the main challenges and teaching methods that the author has used to encourage student's active learning and engagement. Assessment data indicates that there was improvement in achieving the student learning outcomes for the course as a result of the introduction of the new hybrid laboratory experiments and the teaching methods used. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.