Practical Matlab experience in lecture-based signals and systems courses

In this paper we report our efforts to streamline the curriculum of a lecture-based course on signals and systems with exercises using the Matlab computing environment. We use a computer framework to generate individualized variations of problems, which are assigned to teams of students as well as to individual students. Feedback from students revealed that the new components were helpful for better understanding of the materials and hold strong promise in our new approach to interactive and hands-on learning. Furthermore, we discuss an auto-grading system that will provide students with instantaneous feedback and ease the task of evaluating projects in the next offering of the course.