Spreadsheet‐based interactive modules for control education

Abstract

ABSTRACT:In the last few years, spreadsheets have become a popular computational tool and a powerful platform for performing engineering calculations. The simplicity of spreadsheet programming in addition to their plotting capabilities, and other provided utilities, make them a powerful didactic tool. This paper describes the development of interactive tools based on Excel spreadsheets for basic control education. The motivation for developing these tools was to give students special learning modules focused on transmitting the essence of dynamics of systems to achieve an accurate mental model as well as helping them understand how feedback works. ß

Interactivity in education: An experience in the automatic control field

“…As commented in the Introduction Section, during the last years the research in the field of Automatic Control education is taking a large interest, Interactivity being one the main factors of attention 8, 15, 19, 23, 39, 43–48. Several decades ago, it was possible to find several works which have attempted to provide teaching innovations related with Interactivity.…”

Development of Microcontroller-Based Ball and Beam Trainer Kit

“…Educative tools, Linear System Analysis and Design (LSAD) [3] and Interactive Learning Modules for Proportional-Integral-Derivative (ILM-PID) [4], were built to make students more active and involved in their own control engineering learning process. Excel spreadsheets for basic control education was developed to help students understand how feedback works [5]. The Ch-Control System Toolkit, a software package for the design and analysis of control system, was utilized to develop Web-based Control System Design and Analysis System (WSCDAS) and Web-based Controller/Compensator Design Module (WCCDM).…”

Process control kits: A hardware and software resource

“…With increasing the availability of computing power and software options, simulation has become widely used in process control courses. Creating a simulation experience that is interactive is key to its educational value 4, 5. With simulators students explore the nature of dynamic systems in a safe, controlled, and rapid manner.…”

“…General purpose software environments are being increasingly used as they become more powerful and easy to use. Examples of this include Microsoft Excel with VBA 4, MATLAB/Simulink 7, 9–11, and chemical process simulators (ASPEN, HYSIS, etc.) 12.…”

“…Simulators are most often used outside the classroom being integrated with a laboratory or used in projects/case studies 7. These simulators are also used for classroom demonstration 4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has developed a control studio classroom.…”