Abstract / Description of output
This paper describes an innovative method for teaching modelling skills in theoretical computer science (e.g. finite state automata, Turing machines). Students acquire a new modelling skill by completing a game-building assignment in which there is a direct and transparent mapping between the game that the student is building and the model in the framework they are trying to master. Through this constructionist approach, the student not only learns by doing, which potentially contributes to understanding, but there is also a significant element of personalization and choice present, which has the potential to increase both motivation and performance.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 53-57 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | SIGCSE Bull. |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2007 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- automata theory
- constructionism
- game-based learning
- game-building
- regular languages
- theoretical computer science
- turing machines