{"title":"From gates to multi-processors learning systems hands-on with FPGA4U in a computer science programme","authors":"C. Favi, Rene Beuchat, Xavier Jimenez, P. Ienne","doi":"10.1145/1719010.1719020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/1719010.1719020","url":null,"abstract":"We present in this paper our strategy to teach computer engineering and embedded systems in our Computer Science and Communication Systems programmes. We heavily rely on the FPGA4U board [1], specifically developed for this purpose. The board is introduced early in the first year of the Bachelor for the Digital Systems course. The students' knowledge is augmented over the years with computer architecture classes up to the Master level. Master classes on embedded systems use the platform for practical hands-on exercises in short projects with emphasis on either hardware, software, or hardware/software co-design. There are three critical elements in the value of our approach: firstly, the FPGA4U board is tailored to the students' needs (extreme portability, ease of use, cost); secondly, the practical advantage of using a single hardware resource across many courses makes more challenging projects possible in less time; finally, all the knowledge acquired is shared on a collaborative web platform. The project also fosters ideas by students who can thus develop practical skills in complex embedded systems beyond curricular requirements. Several other hardware projects (such as LCD, camera, and flash memory extensions) have been pursued to expand the platform.","PeriodicalId":121254,"journal":{"name":"Workshop on Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Education","volume":"65 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131009779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ardjan Zwartjes, Marlies Van de Voort, B. Dil, P. Havinga
{"title":"Experiencing wireless sensor network concepts in an undergraduate computer science curriculum","authors":"Ardjan Zwartjes, Marlies Van de Voort, B. Dil, P. Havinga","doi":"10.1145/1719010.1719018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/1719010.1719018","url":null,"abstract":"Incorporating Embedded Systems courses in a general and broad Computer Science undergraduate curriculum can be a challenging task. The lack of experience with relevant tools and programming languages tends to limit the amount material that can be included in courses on this area. This, combined with limited familiarity and theoretical background within the field, makes motivating the students a serious issue.\u0000 In this paper we describe our effort to change one of the embedded systems courses at the University of Twente in a way that enables students, without additional prior knowledge, to obtain a broad experience on the field of Wireless Sensor Networks and possibly motivate them to follow a further specialization in Embedded Systems. To achieve this goal we moved away from the traditional course where students first had to practice with all the tools and languages needed to program embedded systems, after which they could work on the real challenges, to a course where students could work on the final challenges from the start.\u0000 Reversing this order eliminated the amount of time and effort students had to spent on learning tools and languages of which they did not yet understand the final purpose. This reversal led to a course that was received with great enthusiasm. Furthermore, given the progress the students showed during the course, this new approach proved to be highly effective. Hopefully the effects of this course can be seen in the following years in the form of a higher number of students choosing a specialization in Embedded Systems.","PeriodicalId":121254,"journal":{"name":"Workshop on Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Education","volume":"69 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115323542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Introducing embedded systems: a cyber-physical approach: extended abstract","authors":"Edward A. Lee","doi":"10.1145/1719010.1719011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/1719010.1719011","url":null,"abstract":"I suggest that embedded systems education should focus more on the interplay of embedded systems and the physical environment in which they operate, rather than on the collection of software and hardware technologies needed to get computers to interact with their environment. The emphasis should be on joint design and modeling of the software, networking, and physical dynamics. Today's implementation techniques should be presented critically as the means to realize these models, rather than as the core of the discipline.","PeriodicalId":121254,"journal":{"name":"Workshop on Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Education","volume":"32 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134368154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Creating an embedded systems program from scratch: nine years of experience at ALaRI","authors":"U. Bondi, M. Sami","doi":"10.1145/1719010.1719012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/1719010.1719012","url":null,"abstract":"In 1999, experts form academia and industry met in a workshop dealing with education in Embedded Systems Design: at the time there were no specifically oriented programs, and an \"ideal\" educational track was designed. One year later, that educational design was implemented with a one-year \"executive-type\" Master at University of Lugano, in Switzerland; over the years, the program blossomed and extended, with development of a two-year Master of Science program as well. The experience is discussed here; results and perspectives are analyzed.","PeriodicalId":121254,"journal":{"name":"Workshop on Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Education","volume":"42 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122441408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CDIO concept in Challenge Based Learning","authors":"A. Ikonen, A. Piironen, Kimmo Saurén, P. Lankinen","doi":"10.1145/1719010.1719016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1145/1719010.1719016","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper an implementation of Challenge Based Learning in Embedded Engineering as a part of CDIO Syllabus in Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (UAS) is studied and described. CDIO Initiative is an educational framework for engineering education to integrate active learning methods as fundamental part of the syllabus. The Challenge Based Learning (CBL) method and its implementation described in this paper are based on a study of project based learning in engineering education started in academic year 2004 [1]. The project described in this paper is the 5th Challenge Based Learning project which took place during the spring semester of the academic year 2008--2009. The paper focuses on introducing Challenge Based Learning method and the implementation of the CBL project as one of the first steps in transformation to CDIO syllabus. Also a discussion of learning outcomes, required resources and the experiences of tutoring lecturers are included as well as some recommendations for arranging similar learning events.","PeriodicalId":121254,"journal":{"name":"Workshop on Embedded and Cyber-Physical Systems Education","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116692206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}