Distributed Laboratories: A Finite State Machine Module

: This paper presents an experimental module for teaching finite state machine concepts. This module is designed for use in a lecture-based course that does not currently have a lab associated with it. For this module, the students do some pre-class preparation, including a pre-lab where they design the state machine circuitry, then they build the design on a protoboard in class while at their desks. The experimental platforms are low weight and powered by 3-AA batteries for portability. A challenge discussed in this paper is the logistics so that this experiment can be completed in a 50 minute class period. The web support includes an instructional video, a fundamental concepts tutorial, a virtual experiment, help for instructors, and a set of on-line quiz questions typical of standard lecture-based test questions. This module has been used in 11 classes and assessment for this experiment has included 471 students.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: FECS
• Authors: Bonnie Ferri, Jill Auerbach, Hongyi Qu
• Keywords: Education, FECS 2010, Standard Lecture-based Test, State Machine, State Machine Circuitry