Computer-aided instruction for VLSI design using the NeXT workstation-phase II

North Carolina A&T State University has been implementing the CAI VLSL NeXT tool over the 2 years to support its VLSI course sequence. The research discussed in this paper presents recent additions made to the CAI VLSl NeXT-based tutorial along with other structural enhancements. The NeXT workstation was used as the workstation platform due to its ease in integrating text, graphics, images and sound to provide an interactive environment. The resulting system is a Hypercard-like video/audio system which teaches the fundamentals of VLSl design. A generic tutorial system has been created requiring the developer to input images and audio to a shell. The effectiveness of the tutorial on professors and students has been studied. Students with varying degrees of knowledge in VLSl design were questioned for their opinions on the system. The student interacted with the NeXT machine on a self-paced regiment. Topic areas were prompted with the option of going in more detail. All sessions were designed to be interactive and provided the student with audio and visual interaction