Using graphical based software to aid in the understanding of electromagnetic field theory

The addition of a telecommunications course sequence in the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) department at Purdue University required the development of a course in RF circuits and electromagnetic field theory. Traditional methods for teaching electromagnetic (EM) field theory were not appropriate for the target audience. The typical student in the technology program does not have a strong background in vector calculus; the primary tool used to teach electromagnetic field theory. As a result, alternative methods had to be found that would convey the same information without the dependence on mathematical models for insight. Omitting the vector based mathematical models would be a mistake because most texts and articles on RF design assume knowledge of Maxwell's equations. The solution was to provide the students with visual based computer software that would allow the student to manipulate a graphical representation of the mathematical model in conjunction with teaching the mathematical models. Omatrix by Harmonic Software was chosen as the programming language because it was (1) relatively inexpensive, (2) had good graphing tools, and (3) used a simple BASIC like structure that was easy to teach and easy for the students to learn. The student comments on the use of the graphical software were favorable, except many students felt they spent too much time debugging their computer programs and not enough time understanding the results.