Bridging the gap between the theory and the real world in dynamic systems and control education

Summary form only given. Although there are many stimulating and practical applications for system dynamics and automatic control, students often find the material too abstract, too mathematical, and difficult to master when it is presented in lecture. This paper presents a unique approach of multimedia assisted curriculum integration, which integrates three different courses through the effective use of laboratory practice and interactive multimedia techniques. Dynamic systems and control education in a typical mechanical engineering program consists of two basic courses: system dynamics deals with basic materials for modeling and analyzing dynamic systems of an interdisciplinary nature; and automatic control presents techniques for analysis and design of control systems. The multimedia software will go far beyond the material in traditional textbooks by illustrating key concepts in dynamic systems and control through video display, animation and active exploration.