Multimedia—the integration of computers and communications has attracted the ever-increasing attention of all walks of society and has already proved to have great impact on educational and industrial development [1], [2]. With the availability of multimedia computers, computer-based instruction models that use intelligent simulation, dynamic links (on-line generation of links based on user behavior) and multimedia composition and creation can be developed. Examples include the Explanation Planner [3], the Perseus Project [4], the Interactive Tutorial Software [5] and a number of Internet-based tutorials. These models can be applied to such problems as supporting collaborative work, supporting information retrieval and browsing, illustrating complex concepts in science and engineering and augmenting teaching and learning. For example, the Explanation Planner is an interactive multimedia tutor that parses typed student queries and plans the response with internal representations before translating into natural language. The domain knowledge for the Explanation Planner is basic electricity and electrical networks. The Perseus system is an aggregation of texts, images, and programs related to the ancient Greek world published as a set of HyperCard stacks and data files. Perseus was designed as a research tool and medium of publication, as an instructional aid for teachers, and as a self-directed learning environment. The Interactive Tutorial Software is designed specifically for engineering education at the university level. It contains two different tutorial collections. The first contains tutorials on digital analysis for digital signal processing. The second is a mathematical review and tutor in engineering.
The paper presented here describes an interactive knowledge-based system for teaching the basic aspects of computer architecture, organization, and design. The system, developed using Macromedia Director, employs animation and simulation to achieve rich interactivity and to provide instant feedback to users in response to their input. The complete system is currently available on the local network of the Department of Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton. The first three chapters described in the system are also available on the Web at http://www.ecs.fullerton.edu/~sbarua. Students enrolled in the computer architecture courses offered by the Department can access the system. The interactive approach inherent in the system supports human–computer collaboration to satisfy user goals by effectively allowing the user to access the underlying knowledge base dependent on the user's level of understanding of the subject matter. This paper is organized as follows: After discussing the need for the multimedia system, the paper presents an overview of the system layout and design. The paper then explains the evaluation methods employed to assess the effectiveness of the system in increased student learning and understanding of the subject material. The results from the use of the system over a two-year period are then discussed. Finally, the paper summarizes the results.