Computer-based open learning environment in control systems

This paper reports on an integrated software environment which has been developed to support open learning in control systems. The environment consists of a simulation package, an open-learning-based course in control systems, and a guidance tool to provide some assistance towards the selection of topics. The software was written in C language and Windows SDK. The paper begins with an overview of the provision of education and open-learning, and then discusses the functionality, implementation, and interfacing issues of the different constituents parts of the overall package. A note on an experimental session with students regarding the use of this learning environment is included.