Animated solutions using Mathcad8 convolution and correlation problems

More than fifty years of convolution and correlation and several educational issues continue to be troublesome with these subjects. The curriculum of most signals and systems courses have concentrate on linear time invariant systems, convolution and correlation with its associated applications as the central focus of the course materials. This focus is clearly necessary, but is often construed by students as the beginning of their demise. This is largely due to the lack of mathematical preparation and the complexity of the process. Most students associate this subject with a "negative period" in their undergraduate studies. Obviously, it should be a very positive experience since it provides the very foundations of advanced electrical engineering principles. With respect to these principles, the authors continue to find that the impact of the mathematical techniques used to explore the subject need more efficient visualization support to facilitate the learning process. This paper addresses these issues and concludes that: (a) visual "animated" support systems significantly facilitate the learning process and overall confidence of the student with the materials; and (b) laboratory assignments using a convolution animation template file allow students to process and visualize the convolutions of a host of functions. Through visual animation of the template file, the student is able to observe the system output at every instant of time and assimilate the process more readily. Assignments using the files, provides the student with the opportunity to mathematically "Tinker in the What If Process", while enhancing knowledge by combining a visual and mathematical assimilation of information.