Automata Simulator: A mobile app to teach theory of computation

Abstract

We developed a mobile app named Automata Simulator to simulate different types of automata and used it to teach the course on theory of computation. The students used the app to design and simulate automata during the lectures. The students also used a more sophisticated desktop application, JFLAP, to study advanced concepts related to automata theory after the lectures. An analysis of the examination results revealed that this approach helped the students to learn the concepts better and score 1% more marks. Moreover, a strong correlation between the marks obtained by the students for questions related to designing of automata and their total score was identified. In a survey conducted at the end of the semester, the students said that it was difficult to use two tools for learning the same concepts. However, they also felt that the combination of the two tools made the course more interactive and contributed positively in the process of learning. K E Y W O R D Sautomata simulator, automata theory, educational software, mobile app., Theory of computation

Impact of the WampServer application in Blended learning considering data science, machine learning, and neural networks

“…Corral-Abad et al., 2018; Ortega-García et al., 2017; Salas-Rueda and Vázquez-Estupiñán, 2017) have incorporated technological applications in the educational field in order to improve the teaching–learning process. In fact, ICTs are modifying the planning and implementation of school activities in various areas such as mechanical engineering (Corral-Abad et al., 2018), computer science (Pereira and Terra, 2018; Singh et al., 2019), and geology (Isik and Cabalar, 2018). In the area of ​​geology, the use of applications in the educational process facilitates the identification of the characteristics and properties of soil (Isik and Cabalar, 2018).…”

“…The construction and use of technological applications in the field of informatics facilitate the assimilation of knowledge and development of digital skills in students (Pereira and Terra, 2018; Singh et al., 2019).…”

“…Singh et al. (2019) developed the Automata Simulator application to improve the teaching–learning process on computational theory.…”

“…Finally, the use of technological applications in the educational field allows innovating the school activities and transforming the educational process on mechanical engineering (Corral-Abad et al., 2018), programming (Fernández et al., 2017), computing (Salas-Rueda and Vázquez-Estupiñán, 2017), and automaton theory (Pereira and Terra, 2018; Singh et al., 2019).…”

Computer‐based evaluation to assess students' learning for the multiple‐choice question–based exams: CBE‐MCQs software tool

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