Java-based distance learning environment for electronic instruments

Computer-assisted instruction has been used to assist both teachers and students. Recently, the rapid emergence of the World Wide Web (WWW) and its associated tools have provided educators with an opportunity to incorporate this technology into their courses. The undergraduate students in the Mechanical Engineering Department utilize electronic instruments or mechanical instruments frequently. They learn how to use these instruments primarily through a teacher's oral instructions and demonstration. In this paper, the authors developed a computer-aided instruction (CAI) system consisting of four modules: information module, instrument module, examination module, and frequently asked question (FAQ) module. These four modules were arranged to implement a CAI system for electronic instruments. This system is used to teach students how to use oscilloscopes, function generators, and logic analyzers. The CAI system can be used for distance learning.