The concept: methods – content – objectives - Signals, Processes, and Systems - page 4

The PC is a programmable „calculator“. The actual characteristics of the system result
from the software. To a certain extent they are virtual systems as they are "intangible".
Where will the user get his software from in future? From the internet, of course. What
does he need to select the appropriate programs for each specific form of signal or data
processing? Above all competence in signal technology. At this point the third column,
the theory of Signal Processing Systems becomes involved.
A case for up-to-date education
The signals - processes - systems triad is synonymous with communication , the key
concept in our society, indeed of our very existence.
Communication is almost the definition of being alive. If the brain cells no longer
communicate with each other the individual is clinically dead. At present something of a
change in paradigm is taking place in medicine. Whereas it was hitherto regarded as an
empirical science based on experience, molecular biology and genetics now offer power-
ful instruments with which to unravel and understand the causal chain leading to illness.
Illness is seen more and more as as a disturbance in communication between cells! The
resulting possibilities of organisation, prevention and treatment are not only challenging
the limits of ethics and morality but also our ability to finance the social system.
Without communication there would be no peoples, states, industry, economies, schools
and families. And what is necessary for a teacher's effectiveness - communication!
In short, in all the fields of everyday, professional and academic life innumerable
questions arise which in the final analysis are inextricably linked with communication or
can be answered with reference to it. There is not sufficient correlation of this in education
and in many areas of science. At the beginning of the new millennium there is a discussion
about which subjects are necessary to update the curriculum of secondary schools, that is
to adapt it more effectively to the requirements of the real world. Possible subjects such
as Economics and Technology are discussed and at the same time vehemently rejected.
"Communications" is hardly ever even mentioned!
On the unity of theory and practice
What is needed are universal explanatory modes which are relevant for the intellectual
understanding of numerous communicative phenomena from scientific theory and
practice and which make it possible to create order, structure and transparency within a
specialism. This is a first indication of what we mean by theory.
Teaching and learning denote one particular group of communicative phenomena,
communications technology and the theory of signals-processes-systems another. The
physiology of our bodies is a further group of communicative phenomena. Is it possible
to see them as belonging under one roof?
Multimedia and interactive learning
Multimedia and interactive communication in the learning process simply means commu-
nicating with all the senses !