Concurrent tutorial and applications

It is pointed out that tutorial programs running side-by-side with application programs provide an effective way to teach many faces of introductory instrumentation and measurements. Side-by-side tutorials have been implemented for teaching use of instrumentation in stand-alone and IEEE-488 controlled situations (using C programs) and display and analysis of data in various application programs. An environment is discussed which permits students to learn how to use instruments manually and under computer control. The method has proven to be efficient because it permits an instructor to focus on students with problems and to let students proceeding well continue at their own pace. It is also an effective method when judged in terms of student learning