Building Models: A Direct but Neglected Approach to Teaching Computer Science ¹

John E. Howland
Department of Computer Science
Trinity University
715 Stadium Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78212-7200
Voice: (210) 999-7364
Fax: (210) 999-7477
E-mail: jhowland@Trinity.Edu
Web: http://www.cs.trinity.edu/~jhowland/

Abstract:

The use of software models for teaching a variety of computer science topics is a valuable technique. Such models may be studied by reading and examining each model itself. Additionally, the models form the basis for experimentation. The J language is particularly well suited for modeling. It is not necessary that students be proficient in J programming to make effective use of J models and experiments with models are easily devised so that laboratory measurements may be taken. Example models for a number of computer science topics are given. ²

Subject Areas: Computer Science Education, Computer Science Curriculum Computer Science Laboratories.

Keywords: Modeling, J Programming Language.