The use of animation and simulation to aid learning of electromagnetics: Electrical engineering at the University of Vaasa

Abstract

The courses which deal with electromagnetism, are difficult to understand for most electrical engineering students. However, almost every electrical professional needs a good understanding of electromagnetism. The aim of this paper is to present the use of animation and simulation to teach electromagnetics (EM) to the students of Electrical Engineering at the University of Vaasa. Since many students have difficulties in understanding mathematical notation used in EM, students are given a tutorial of mathematical notes during the first lecture. Subsequently, some mathematical issues are also reviewed by animations. Implications of EM formulas are visualized by animated material during lectures. Here we give an application example for Lenz law. In addition, students will do a simulation exercise at the end of the course. The goal is to familiarize students with a simulation program which they use then to solve EM problems. They are also required to document and analyse experiments and results. In recent years, students have written often master's theses from topics of real world industrial problems related to electromagnetic fields. The problems are addressed using simulation software. The students consider that the animated lecture material is illustrative and that simulation exercises are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the essential phenomena. The students who have become deeply familiar with the electromagnetic (EM) fields, have so far gained full employment after completing their studies.