This mixed-method case study explores the use of simulation videos to illustrate complicated conceptual knowledge in foundational communications and signal processing courses. Students found these videos to be very useful for establishing concepts, understanding course content and increasing general knowledge in electrical engineering. | Journal of Technology and Science Education JOTSE, 2016 – 6(3): 148-165 – Online ISSN: 2013-6374 – Print ISSN: 2014-5349 TEACHING COMPLICATED CONCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE WITH SIMULATION VIDEOS IN FOUNDATIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COURSES Baiyun Chen , Lei Wei , Huihui Li University of Central Florida (United States) , , lihuihui900@ Received June 2015 Accepted June 2016 Abstract Building a solid foundation of conceptual knowledge is critical for students in electrical engineering. This mixed-method case study explores the use of simulation videos to illustrate complicated conceptual knowledge in foundational communications and signal processing courses. Students found these videos to be very useful for establishing concepts, understanding course content and increasing general knowledge in electrical engineering. We hope that the findings can help inform best practices for producing engaging and effective instructional videos for engineering courses; inspire instructors of electrical engineering to transform their teaching practice; and eventually benefit students by building a solid conceptual understanding that fosters the development of further engineering competencies. Keywords – Conceptual knowledge, Electrical engineering, Simulation, Telecommunication, Instructional video, Undergraduate education. ---------- -148- Journal of Technology and Science Education – 1. Introduction Engineers rely heavily on conceptual knowledge to understand the interrelationships of basic engineering concepts used during their professional practice. While working, they need to solve problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently without having to refer to their textbooks for complex models or physical prototypes. This mode of operation is called engineering judgment or heuristic thinking (Streveler, Litzinger, Miller & Steif, 2008). For example, .
