A concept oriented freshman introductory course utilizing multimedia presentations and group laboratory experience

A freshman level electrical engineering class has become an attractive solution to a wide array of problems in undergraduate education. Such courses are a relatively recent phenomenon, and there are no "standard" freshman level courses with established content and proven effectiveness. Since these courses are designed to address a diverse list of problems including lack of visibility, introduction to design, poor high school preparation and lack of motivation, it is natural to expect that an equally diverse array of solutions have arisen. The specific course described in this paper was designed to play a role of orientation and connection in the curriculum at a time when the nature of electrical engineering practice is rapidly evolving. The course provides a coherent introduction to electrical engineering to help attract students to an exciting field that is currently in great demand. It also provides a framework for later core courses in a traditional curriculum.