Loving to learn theory

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.

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Realizing the promise of visualization in the theory of computing

Cogliati

Goosey

Grinder

et al. 2005

J. Educ. Resour. Comput.

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____________________________________________________________Progress on a hypertextbook on the theory of computing is presented. The hypertextbook is a novel teaching and learning resource built around web technologies that incorporates text, sound, pictures, illustrations, slide shows, video clips, and-most importantly-active learning models of the key concepts of the theory of computing into an integrated resource. Active learning models currently exist for finite state automata, regular expressions, regular grammars, the pumping lemma for regular languages, context-free grammars, LL (1) parsing, and program execution. The seamless interweaving of these components into a browser-ready whole will help realize the goal of integrating visualization aids into theory courses.

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Loving to learn theory

Cited by 4 publications

References 2 publications

Non-determinism: An abstract concept in computer science studies

Non-determinism: An abstract concept in computer science studies

A visual and interactive automata theory course emphasizing breadth of automata

Realizing the promise of visualization in the theory of computing

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