Explaining semiconductor device physics with a fusion of lectures and videos

Concepts that describe the operation of semiconductor devices tend to be some of the most difficult for students to grasp. Hands-on experimentation can be used to demonstrate the concepts discussed in lectures or course readings and to stimulate student interest through visual applications of the concepts. However, such activities can be impractical to integrate into the classroom. Thus, multimedia tutorials have been developed on some of the concepts to support student learning and to address why a solid foundation in semiconductor device physics is critical to their development as electrical or computer engineers. Each tutorial includes a review of the theory that is demonstrated in the experiment, which is then presented. Reinforcement of their learning occurs immediately in the form of a brief video from an expert (not necessarily the course instructor) with his or her explanation. Assessment on student learning has been initiated using an assessment tool developed to evaluate hands-on learning at Georgia Tech.