The teaching of electronics engineering: Guidelines for the design of training in and out of the classroom setting

The main goal of this study is the discussion on whether it is possible to substitute learning in a classroom environment for learning out of the classroom setting via computer based training systems (CBT). The two main ideas this study deals with are how a simulator can cover the teaching of practical aspects and the rules we can apply to non attended learning and instruction within a virtual laboratory. Specifically, the study focuses on the evaluation of practical electronic projects and the results achieved by students through the use of electronic simulators (we are working with the Pspice tool). Students carried out a full practical simulation and assembly procedure which provided us with a set of results that could be applied to the evaluation of practical virtual learning projects. With the analysis of the results, we are able to conclude that laboratory work can be substituted by practical work, which includes simulation processes.