Introducing multimedia in teaching of digital system design

In this paper we will present a project which started as VDHL Online and is now developing into an integrated teaching system for high level design of digital systems. The VHDL Interactive Learning project is based on the Internet as information storage system. Using the Internet offers a wide range of abilities: static information like foils and explaining text, links which cannot be realized in a book, direct inclusion of commercial tools for getting online experience and interaction between teacher and students via e-mail and Internet relay chat. This concept of having the information available on the Net is now used in courses on high level design in a growing number of universities in Germany. Due to the high quality and completeness of the information it is possible for the students to prepare themselves at home and even do the basic training at home using an Internet access.