On the use of an interactive computing system in engineering education

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) On-Line System (OLS) provides a flexible and highly interactive vehicle for instruction in many engineering subjects, The system capabilities and instructional potential are discussed and illustrated by examples. Experience at UCSB over the past four years has shown that student motivation and comprehension are increased markedly by OLS use, and that this benefit extends to all class participants. The system is currently being used by sophomores and up, in subjects including complex variables, networks, controls, and hydrodynamics. The OLS is exportable to many IBM 360 systems, and the cost is within the means of most engineering departments.