Bringing realism to the classroom: an experimental design project for a lecture setting

A `project´ is described in which students are involved in a design project within a lecture setting. The `project´ is used to emphasize real-world applications in a microprocessor class stressing hardware and software integration. It amounts to completing a project design in three lecture periods which is not pre-planned in any way. Students are given the opportunity to choose the project and then to participate by contributing to the design as it progresses. Allowing the student input to the project eliminates pre-planning and tends to increase student motivation. Students contribute to the project, making it more realistic and allowing them to develop a feel for the methods and problems associated with project development