Tuning of a D.C. Motor Position Servo Controller Using Tutsim

This paper discusses the use of the TUTSIM microcomputer package for simulating a d.c. motor servo positioner. The use of TUTSIM and its commands for tuning a proportional-derivative controller is illustrated for this simple example while examining the response to a step set-point change.

Pathfinder: A Microcomputer Experience in Interpreting Graphs

This article describes the design, implementation, and testing of a microcomputer package intended to improve students' understanding and skills in interpreting graphs of physical phenomena. In this package students interpret graphs in order to reproduce the events described by the graphs. Students may also construct events and challenge others to reproduce the events from the graphs they generate. Some previous work is described briefly to provide context for the activities. The package was used with students in grades nine through twelve. Students taking the college preparatory mathematics classes differed from those taking general mathematics in their choices of activities and in the strategies they used. There was evidence that students' strategies changed as they gained more experience.

A Microcomputer Package to Teach the Simplex Algorithm

Basic features of a microcomputer package, BCDP, which is an auto-tutorial designed to teach the Simplex algorithm are described. The package may be used to augment lecture and text materials in introductory linear programming courses or as a review for advanced math programming courses. Preliminary evaluations of the effectiveness of the program to augment classroom instruction are very positive.