Jeffrey A. Stone
Abstract
The use of computer architecture simulators has become common practice in courses designed to teach computer organization. However, little research has been done to test the effectiveness of such simulators in learning introductory programming concepts. In this paper I will discuss the use of a simple architecture and machine language simulator to teach the CS1 concepts of conditional selection and iteration, along with the results of a pilot study on its effectiveness in a structural programming-based CS1 course. Possible other uses for the tool are also considered.
- Null, L. and Lobur, J. 2003. MarieSim: The MARIE computer simulator. ACM Journal of Educational Resources in Computing. 3, 2 (Jun. 2003), 1--29. Google Scholar
Digital Library
- Braught, G. and Reed, D. The knob & switch computer: A computer architecture simulator for introductory computer science. ACM Journal of Educational Resources in Computing. 1, 4 (Dec. 2001), 31--45. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Ellard, D., Ellard, P., Megquier, J. and J. Bradley Chen. The Ant Architecture - An Architecture for CS1. Newsletter of the IEEE Computer Society Technical Committee on Computer Architecture, July 1999.Google Scholar
- Graham, N. Introduction to Computer Science (3rd Ed.). West Publishing Co., St. Paul, MN 1985. Google ScholarDigital Library
- Computing Curricula 2001. Journal of Educational Resources in Computing. 1, 3es (Sep. 2001), 1.Google Scholar
Index Terms
- Using a machine language simulator to teach CS1 concepts
Recommendations
Using a machine language simulator to teach CS1 concepts
ITiCSE-WGR '06: Working group reports on ITiCSE on Innovation and technology in computer science educationThe use of computer architecture simulators has become common practice in courses designed to teach computer organization. However, little research has been done to test the effectiveness of such simulators in learning introductory programming concepts. ...
Assessing the Development of Computer Science Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the TEALS Program (Abstract Only)
SIGCSE '16: Proceedings of the 47th ACM Technical Symposium on Computing Science EducationOne of the critical barriers to increasing pre-collegiate computer science course offerings in the U.S. is a lack of qualified computer science teachers. Programs such as TEALS, a teacher preparation program pairing high school teachers with computing ...
Experiences with a CS0 course targeted for CS1 success
SIGCSE '05: Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science educationIn this paper, we report on an approach taken addressing the issue of the preparedness of students entering CS1. Specifically, we discuss the adoption of a first-day assessment test in lieu of completed course prerequisites for determining students' ...
Comments