Computer model of a spectrum analyzer for a virtual laboratory: development and introduction to the educational...

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Educational Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid digitalization across sectors, including education.
• Increased use of digital services improved public digital literacy and created new interaction models.
• Existing educational methods required adaptation for remote and hybrid learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the improvement of radio electronics education through new digital tools.
• To investigate the application of these tools in distance learning settings.
• To evaluate the impact of digitalization on student behavior, cognition, and performance.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a virtual radio signal simulation as a laboratory practicum.
• Review of international experiences with digitalization in education.
• Student questionnaire to assess the virtual laboratory's features and educational impact.
• Software development for a spectrum analyzer computer model and virtual laboratory using C++ in MS VS environment.

Main Results:

• Students reported high appreciation for the virtual laboratory tools.
• The virtual simulation is effective for both distance learning and traditional classroom settings.
• The developed software package for the spectrum analyzer demonstrates versatility.

Conclusions:

• Digital tools, such as virtual simulations, positively impact the educational process in radio electronics.
• The proposed approach offers a flexible and effective solution for modern educational challenges.
• The technology shows significant potential for broader applications beyond the current scope.