Transforming a Microprocessors Course through the Progressive Learning Platform

This paper describes an innovative learning platform called the Progressive Learning Platform (PLP), and its use in an introductory microprocessors course.The discussion covers the overall transformation of the course from the examination and modification of existing course objectives or Be-Able-To"s (BATS), to the development of laboratories and other curricular materials for a highly collaborative active-learning approach.Decisions made by the instructors during this process, and the reasons behind those decisions are discussed to provide guidance to those wishing to revamp their "Microprocessors" courses to follow this model.Our modified course will be first offered in the Fall 2011 semester.The paper also presents metrics and methods that will be used to measure the effects that PLP has on student learning and student development.