Mobile Lab

Lab in Lecture, Lecture in Lab, Anytime & Anywhere

 

Dr. Charles Kim

ckim@howard.edu

 

WHAT IS MOBILE STUDIO LAB

Mobile studio class means, instead of heavy equipment and other measurement device stationed in a laboratory room, that we put those functions of instrumentation into a computer. In other words, a software inside your PC replaces oscilloscope, function generator and other equipment. Instead of bulky power supply, we use regular, handy 9V batteries. The only additional thing, which is an essential part though, is an interface board between your circuit in the breadboard and the computer's USB port.

With your breadboard and your laptop (or Tablet PC), now you are ready to conduct any lab work at any place: your dorm, library, or restaurant. with your laptop (or tablet pc), If you do not have your own laptop, don't worry. We can install the instrumentation software in any PC we have in the building. Just bring the interface board and your breadboard to any PC in the building. So it's more like a 24/7 lab, isn't it.

Then there should not be a separate lab course as we have now. Instead, we can merge lab and lecture together. Instead of reporting to a laboratory room at least once a week, and of coming again (hopefuilly the room is still open and parts are available) to finish your unfinished job, you can conduct your lab at your own schedule, of course, within a week or so.

MOBILE STUDIO for Network Analysis II (Fall 2004)

• Mobile Studio Class for the Treble Volume Control (Dr. Don Millard from RPI led the class)

  Some Photos:

  

  Fanta Sacko is adjusting her circuit while listening audio sound (Left). Drs. Don millard and Charles Kim are helping students with USB Interface (Right).

   

  

  Andrew Barnor is testing is USB interface board as the Tablet PC and "scope" software do not respond as they are expected (Left). Dr. Mohamed Chouikha came over to shoot a few jokes (Right).

Captured, Low-Resolution Pictures: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

MOBILE STUDIO for Network Analysis I (SPRING 2005)

• This mobile studio lab is an examination of simple RC circuit and its frequency (or sound tone) changing function
• Dr. Don Millard of RPI was again invited for the session. From next semester, we hope to have our own mobile studio lab, of course, helped and encouraged by Dr. Millard.
• Here are movie files (mainly for Dr. Millard's lecture) and photos of students working on the subject.

Photos:

Keisha D'Anaurd in her test (Left). Dr. Don Millard is helping Jan Jerry (Right).

 

Keisha D'Anaurd and Andrew Pierre check their circuit with Dr. Don Millard (Left). Crystal Toney and Lionel Fleshman are busy with tapping the Tablet PC (Right)

More Photos: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

QUOTES OF THE STUDENTS

• Chimaobi M. - I appreciated the opportunity of using Table PC‘s for the first time and implementing a filter circuit and listening to the output in one arrangement.
• Fanta S. - I feel that I have some connection between analysis of frequency selective and real world.
• Colin T. - This kind of learning environment stimulates interest and encourages deeper understanding of the circuit and it's applications.
• Daniel E. - Prior to this class and project, I had no idea how frequency selective circuits worked. Now, however, whenever I'm operating an appliance like a CD player or radio and making adjustments to the treble, bass, etc., I can actually picture what's going on in the circuit, which gives me a sense of joy as an aspiring engineer.
• Knia T. - The Mobile Studio was very interesting and I liked the fact that we were able to see exactly how real life things come into play regarding Electrical Engineering. 
• Keisha D. - I learned about the basic application of the theory of inductance and capacitance and its uses in an everyday system, including an electric guitar.
• Andrew P. - The fact that we got a hands-on interaction with the concept being taught was most appealing to me.
• Dika O. - I would definitely like to see more of thelecture and lab combinations without heavy equipment. You could do the lab anywhere.
• Rene H. - I liked the fact that the class provided the students with an interactive display of the theory.
• Alex C. - The thing I enjoyed most about the studio lab was the ability tointegrate all lab instrumentation into one digital center and the possibility of performing labs outside of the lab setting.

MOBILE STUDIO COMMUNITY

Link to Howard University HP Technology for Teaching Project Webpage

 

Link to most recent Mobile Studio Lab Page (with Tutorials)

WWW.MWFTR.COM