Computer-aided instruction for VLSI design using the NeXT Workstation-Phase II

North Carolina A&T State University has been implementing the CAI (computer-aided instruction) VLSI NeXT tool over the past two years to support its VLSI course sequence. Recent additions made to the CAI VLSI NeXT-based tutorial along with other structural enhancements are discussed. The NeXT workstation was used as the workstation platform due to its ease in integrating text, graphics, images, and sound to provide an interactive environment. The resulting system is a HyperCard-like video/audio system which teaches the fundamentals of VLSI design. A generic tutorial system was created, requiring the developer to input images and audio to a shell. The effectiveness of the tutorial was studied. Students with varying degrees of knowledge in VLSI design were questioned about the system