The knob & switch computer: A computer architecture simulator for introductory computer science

ABSTRACT

The Knob & Switch Computer is a computer architecture simulator designed to teach beginning students the basics of computer organization. It differs from existing simulators in two significant ways: (1) it incorporates cognitive hooks in the form of knobs and switches that encourage exploration and discovery on the part of the student; and (2) it can be presented one component at a time, starting with a simple interactive data path and building incrementally to a full-featured stored program machine. Both of these features make it possible to engage beginning students and effectively convey an understanding of how computers work. The Knob & Switch Computer simulator can also motivate the study of other computing topics such as data representation, assembly language programming, and RISC vs. CISC architectures. In addition to describing the Knob & Switch Computer, we discuss experiences using the simulator in breadth-based introductory courses both at Dickinson College and Creighton University.

REFERENCES

• 1: ARIAS, J. AND GARCIA, D. 1999. Introducing computer architecture education in the first course of computer science career. IEEE Computer Society Technical Committee on Computer Architecture Newsletter (July).
• 2: Alan W. Biermann, Great Ideas in Computer Science: A Gentle Introduction, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1997
• 3: Grant W. Braught, Computer organization in the breadth-first course, Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, v.16 n.4, p.182-195, 2001
• 4: CC2001 TASK FORCE. 2001. Computing Curricula 2001. WWW: http://www.acm.org/sigcse/cc2001/.
• 5: Rick Decker , Stuart Hirshfield, The Analytical Engine; An Introduction to Computer Science Using the Internet, PWS Publishing Co., Boston, MA, 1998
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.1 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURES
      C.1.0 General

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.5 Model Development

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
Computer architecture simulator, education, knob & switch