Why are continuous-time signals and systems courses so difficult? How can we make them more accessible?

The introductory continuous-time signals and systems (CTSS) course is widely considered one of the most difficult courses in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) curricula. This workshop is an interactive discussion about sources of difficulty and what can be done to help improve student learning and understanding. In the first part of the workshop, discussion will be sparked and encouraged through presentation of historical data and directed questions. The goal will be to advance a continually developing understanding of the problem. In the second part of the workshop, attendees will learn about hands-on activities that are being done at Bucknell and Rose-Hulman to help address what the authors think some of the issues are. Attendees will have an opportunity to attempt some of these activities, use the technology to develop their own activity, and review the activities with regard to the previous discussion about learning difficulties. Each attendee is highly encouraged to bring a laptop and will receive a USB memory stick with the software, lesson plans, materials, and background literature that support this workshop.