Session T1D ENHANCING STUDENT LEARNING IN AN INTRODUCTORY EMBEDDED SYSTEMS LABORATORY

As technology advances. curriculum and laboratories are challenged to keep pace. This is especially true in computer engineering, where the range of technologies is constantly broadening and diversifying. as computer-based systems take on many forms andfunctions in everyday life. The question is, how should a contemporary curriculum train computer-engineering students for the vast scope of embedded system solutions? In this paper, we specifically consider where to begin, and ask, can powerful tools empower students IO learn? We describe steps taken at Iowa State University Io upgrade a sophomore level laboratory in embedded systems. We migrated from the popular 8-bit Motorola 68HCll microcontroller as the core fo r a hardware-software development platform to the emerging 32-bit PowerPC 555 microcontroller. The 68HCll is used in labs at numerous universities across the country and is supported with textbooks and educational packages. Conversely, the PowerPC is new IO the academic environment and comes with a rich set offeatures and development tools. In this paper, we examine the similarities and differences between the laboratory platforms and their impoct on student learning. We also identify strengths and weaknesses of the new laboratory environment, based on our own perspective and studentfeedback. Index Terms Computer Engineering laboratory, embedded systems instruction, Motorola 68HCll. PowerPC