New interactive multimedia CD-ROM for engineering electromagnetics

With the availability of a variety of software for authoring and the development of multimedia applications and for CD-ROM mastering, and the growing capabilities of personal computers hardware, there has been a significant interest and an increase in the development and production of multimedia modules for education. We present the features of a new interactive multimedia CD-ROM developed for an introductory course in electromagnetics. Topics include vectors and coordinate systems, electrostatics, Maxwell´s equations, wave propagation, conducting and dielectric materials, and transmission lines. Specific procedures for increasing interactivity such as the use of virtual laboratories, guided use of simulation software, implementation of extensive navigation capabilities, and the use of the gaming strategy are highlighted. Preliminary assessment of the use of this technology in classroom teaching is also discussed.