An update on the CMU virtual laboratory

The ECE department at CMU has implemented a new integrated curriculum which emphasizes learning in the context of applications. Development of a new laboratory paradigm has been critical to maximize conceptual learning while minimizing student busy work and faculty laboratory maintenance. The resulting virtual laboratory paradigm and redesign of the fundamental signals and systems course was the subject of a previous ICASSP paper. In this paper, continuing expansion of the virtual laboratory to embrace problem solving in engineering teams, through creation of the virtual laboratory classroom, is described. Emphasis is on aspects of course design critical to enhancing lifelong, hands-on and collaborative learning opportunities