Understanding Signal Theory through play

Many undergraduate students find it difficult to learn, understand and conceptualize some of the the basic topics of signal processing and analysis theory such as: analog and digital signals, frequency domain, Fourier Transform, Discrete Fourier Transform, Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, aliasing etc. This paper presents an effective method to introduce some of the most important topics in an introductory Signal Theory course. A set of laboratory exercises is developed, where students experiment with several basic and advanced signal analysis and processing techniques, almost through game and play. The results of a poll show that students find considerable improvement in course organisation and greater usefulness of laboratory exercises in understanding course material.