A Visual and Interactive Computability Course: Experiences and Evaluation
Rakesh Verma, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science, University of Houston
Abstract
Teaching Theory of Computation and learning it are both challenging tasks. Moreover, students are not sufficiently interested or 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 developed materials including homework 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. The talk will describe the materials and our experiences and evaluation efforts.