A visual and interactive automata theory course emphasizing breadth of automata

Abstract

Teaching Theory of Computation and learning it are both challenging tasks. Moreover, students are not sufficiently interested/motivated to learn this material since: (i) they believe that the material is dated and of little use and (ii) it is too abstract and difficult. To counter the first perception, we have developed materials to illustrate the breadth of finite automata concepts. To overcome the second problem we have: enhanced and integrated visualization software and historical background into newly-devloped materials including homeworks and slides for lectures. Most of the materials are available at a web site for the course that we developed. Our preliminary experience is positive overall, but there are some remaining concerns.

Teaching concepts related to finite automata using ComVis

“…Another difficulty is that students do not receive feedback while solving problems, so it is harder for them to understand the concepts on which finite automata are based. Consequently, students generally have a higher failure rate in automata theory courses than other courses [29].…”