Improved Teaching Pedagogy for Convolution of Continuous Time Signals

Abstract

Problem exists to effectively learn technical topics requiring sound mathematical practices. Especially in engineering domain, detailed mathematical illustrations sometimes robs the time of teaching which could be effectively used to make students learn to apply and explore the applications in practice. In the subject of Signals and Systems continuous time convolution of signals is one such example. It is a mathematical operation involving shifting, folding of signals along with integration and differentiation. All these operations perplex many students. This becomes worse when students are already possessing mathematics learning and anxiety problems. Identifying this as a bottle neck in teaching convolution, this article is aimed to provide an alternate and simulation method for solving convolution integral in continuous time case. Quantitative analysis was also carried out on a case study to determine that the developed application helped students in better learning of the topic.