Using circuit simulator software in the study of electronic circuit behaviour

This paper reports on a pilot research project that investigated the use of a digital circuit simulation software, EasySim, in the study of digital electronics in the first year of an undergraduate engineering course. The ultimate aim of this research, to be completed in 2005, was to investigate the student experience with such software and its effect on one of their study outcomes (that is their exam results). Students were encouraged to use the tool during their normal learning activities. Those who used the software found it to be helpful. Statistical analysis of exam results for the pilot group of ten respondents indicated a strong relationship between the exam marks obtained and the time spent using the software.