Experiments on multimedia support of VLSI design teaching in the MODEM project

This paper presents the results of a two-year effort carried out in the framework of the European MODEM (Multimedia Optimisation and Demonstration for Education in Microelectronics) project, aiming at the creation of multimedia learning material for VLSI design. The specific topic addressed by this experimentation, coherent with timing and man power constraints, is the design of CMOS memory devices. The learning material is organised in subject modules including a tutorial part which presents the design procedures and knowledge the student has to understand and an “exercise” part for reviewing purposes. Each subject module also includes more active-learning oriented parts such as “animation” and/or “simulation” parts and is structured in a set of sections preceded by a general introduction and terminated by general conclusions. The learning material has been subject to some evaluations at different locations and the conclusions are rather encouraging.