New web-based interactive e-learning in power electronics and electrical machines

This paper introduces a new software tool for teaching power electronics and electrical machines. The tool consists of HTML text where small programs in form of Java-applets are inserted which are used for interactive animation, simulation and design of power electronic circuits and/or electrical machines. The whole tool does need just a standard Web-browser, is fully independent of the underlying operating system, also no installation is necessary, and all interactive Java-programs are written with the focus on very easy usage. Therefore, the tool can be accessed via the World Wide Web and/or by a CD-ROM in stand-alone PCs by students and professionals. Since the Java-programs are simple to handle, a student can immediately start working with the programs and can fully concentrate on the theory of the problem instead of studying help-manuals. Because of the underlying software technology, the tool can be used for online learning and can be easily integrated into an e-learning platform for distance learning. It can be also used in the traditional classroom with laptop and beamer, via Internet or CD-ROM. Therefore, it can be integrated in a course making use of other modern technologies like video, slide-shows or sound-clips. It can be used by professionals or students for self-study. The focus of this paper is on the introduction of the usage and the technology of this new e-learning software tool which is optimized for education in power electronics and electrical machines. It is not about certain teaching techniques.