New software for learner-centered circuits instruction

Summary form only given. Today\´s classroom and technologies offer solutions to the challenges that face students and instructors in circuits. Software tools now support several areas of the curriculum (e.g. circuits and electromagnetic fields), and many students learn to use them early in their studies. The availability of powerful personal computers linked to classroom video projection systems creates an opportunity for faculty to broaden the scope of their instruction on-the-fly, with a high level of audience interaction and exploration. With software tools, examples can be explored freely, and students can address "what-if" questions immediately. Students gain valuable reinforcement for their understanding of abstract concepts by seeing physical, practical effects on the screen, under their control. Here, the authors discuss such software for learner-centered circuits instruction.