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ABSTRACT

This paper describes the teaching of computer design using a new and quite unusual hardware aid, macromodules. Of all the new areas emerging in Computer Science the teaching of computer structures, from an engineering viewpoint, has continually challenged the professional educator. This has in a sense presented a dilemma to him: for digital computer system design requires a broad look at a variety of configurations, but also seems to require a comprehensive examination of individual circuit details in order to remain in a practical atmosphere. As is well known, such detailed investigation of many systems is virtually impossible in the time allotted in most cirricula. Introduction of the macromodular concept, however, has permitted individual students, in one or two semesters, to achieve realizabledesigns of such devices as I/O channels, microprogrammed machines, complete small digital computers, floating point arithmetic systems and list processing hardware.

REFERENCES

• 1: Gray, P.E. and Harris, F.W., "Design of Digital Systems: The Parse-Implement Approach," IEEE Trans. on Educ., Vol.12, no. 1, March 1969, pp. 18-25.
• 2: Gray, P.E., "Digital Engineering-An Undergraduate Discipline?", J. Engrg. Educ., vol. 59, no. 5, pp. 424-425, Jan. 1969.
• 3: Steele, S.A. and Balazs, "A Course Sequence for the Teaching of Digital Systems," IEEE Trans. of Educ., vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 198-201, Dec. 1966.
• 4: Troxel, D.E., "A Digital Systems Project Laboratory," IEEE Trans. on Educ., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 41-43, Mar. 1968.
• 5: Clark, W.A., et al., "Macromodular Computer Systems," AFIPS Conference Proceedings, vol. 30, 1967, pp. 335-401.
• 6: Wann, D.F., et al., "Problems Encountered with Control Networks in Highly Restructurable Digital Systems," Digest of the First Annual IEEE Computer Conference, 1967.

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:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Systems analysis and design

General Terms:
Design, Theory