Advanced concepts in time-frequency signal processing made simple

Time-frequency representations (TFRs) such as the spectrogram are important two-dimensional tools for processing time-varying signals. In this paper, we present the Java software module we developed for the spectrogram implementation together with the associated programming environment. Our aim is to introduce to students the advanced concepts of TFRs at an early stage in their education without requiring a rigorous theoretical background. We developed two sets of exercises using the spectrogram based on signal analysis and speech processing together with on-line evaluation forms to assess student learning experiences. In the paper, we also provide the positive statistical and qualitative feedback we obtained when the Java software and corresponding exercises were used in a signal processing course.