A Challenge-Based Blended Learning Approach for an Introductory Digital Circuits and Systems Course

In the early stages of university education, frontal teaching within expansive lecture halls and paper-based assignments predominate. Students often encounter theoretical concepts whose practical relevance only emerges later, if at all. This can lead to reduced student motivation, an increased risk of academic disengagement, and a tendency toward superficial learning.Our newly developed first-semester course on digital circuits and systems employs an innovative approach that combines blended learning and challenge-based learning to address these issues effectively. Throughout the semester, we introduce four challenges, seamlessly integrated with the course lectures, designed to enhance students’ comprehension of the discussed topics. Each challenge presents a concise, well-defined task, tackled by small teams using tools such as circuit simulators, and our automated toolchain allows students to witness their circuit designs in action on FPGAs later.Through this challenge-based methodology, we aim to foster individual problem-solving skills and practical expertise, which we consider to be essential assets for students during their university education and future careers.