Creating a Computer Simulator Package for a Hypothetical Computer Architecture.
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| Title: | Creating a Computer Simulator Package for a Hypothetical Computer Architecture. |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Pyzdrowski, Anthony S., DeNardo, Anette M. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 1992 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Descriptive Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Authoring Aids (Programing), Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Science Education, Computer Simulation, Computer System Design, Higher Education, Hypermedia, Instructional Effectiveness, Microcomputers, Programing, Student Attitudes |
| Abstract: | This paper describes three computer-based simulators developed to support an undergraduate computer architecture course. Using a hypermedia authoring package, a simulator was created for each of the three course content areas: (1) introduction of the hypothetical computer structure--contains a tutorial, a quiz, and a simple program that presents background information and introduces the architecture of the hypothetical machine and the first 11 fundamental machine instructions; (2) presentation of the microsequence operations--includes a quiz section which tests student understanding of concepts; and (3) actual programming of the hypothetical computer--allows students to write and execute programs using a graphical presentation of the program. Results from research on the class indicated that students' responses were favorable to the incorporation of the simulators in the class; students showed lower levels of frustration and a higher level of understanding of abstract materials; students shifted from lecture and classroom questioning on specific items as a means of obtaining information to the consultation of the appropriate simulator to obtain the answer; and the class showed significant improvements. Two figures illustrate sample screens from Simulators One and Two. (ALF) |
| Entry Date: | 1993 |
| Accession Number: | ED350999 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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