While many communication topics are difficult for undergraduate students to internalize, demonstrations and laboratory experiences have been shown to stimulate the learning process greatly. The paper describes a highly successful combination of theory, demonstrations, lab exercises, and real-time DSP experiences using Matlab and the Texas Instruments C6711 digital signal processing starter kit (DSK). A digital communication transmitter capability has been added to a software tool (winDSK6) which controls the DSK. This approach, when also combined with state-of-the-art measurement equipment, has proven highly successful in reinforcing modem design and analysis techniques.