The role of computer-supported tools in the education of future engineers. The case of electrical engineering laboratory

The problem of computer-supported tools application in didactic process in the engineer education on the example of teaching of electrical engineering was described. Especially laboratory activities engage different tools which were created by information and communication technologies development. The idea of mixed electrical engineering laboratory groups, where the members of the group receive different tasks, was proposed. In the paper authors focus on two major problems. Firstly, the analysis of the impact of computer-supported tools used in laboratory classes on students´ understanding of electrical phenomena is presented. Secondly, the students´ assessment of such classes compared with traditional classes is elaborated. In the article authors focus on practical activities which are carried out during the laboratory classes of electrical engineering at AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.