Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform
This research explores the challenges of teaching automata theory in computer science and proposes a digital solution to enhance learning experiences. Traditionally taught through pen and paper, automata theory often appears daunting to students due to its abstract nature. This study advocates for a...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists
2024-12-01
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| Series: | South African Computer Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://sacj.org.za/article/view/17844 |
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| _version_ | 1850247080572878848 |
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| author | Steven Jordaan Nils Timm Linda Marshall |
| author_facet | Steven Jordaan Nils Timm Linda Marshall |
| author_sort | Steven Jordaan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This research explores the challenges of teaching automata theory in computer science and proposes a digital solution to enhance learning experiences. Traditionally taught through pen and paper, automata theory often appears daunting to students due to its abstract nature. This study advocates for a shift towards a more interactive, digital approach. It presents a detailed analysis of current teaching practices, highlighting the need for digital innovation. Based on the categorisation of common question types in traditional assessments, the research introduces 'AutomaTutor', a mobile application designed for this specific educational context. 'AutomaTutor' features a user-friendly interface with a guided exercise system and an interactive editor for experimentation. It offers immediate feedback, hints, and varied problem sets, promoting self-guided learning. An experimental evaluation with postgraduate students demonstrated a preference for 'AutomaTutor' over conventional methods, confirming the hypothesis that a digital platform can significantly improve the understanding of automata theory. The study represents a step forward in making theoretical computer science more accessible and engaging, benefiting both teachers and students. It underscores the potential of integrating technology with traditional teaching principles in automata theory education. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a095ced009d6442face08cfc01506bb6 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1015-7999 2313-7835 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists |
| record_format | Article |
| series | South African Computer Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-a095ced009d6442face08cfc01506bb62025-08-20T01:59:01ZengSouth African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information TechnologistsSouth African Computer Journal1015-79992313-78352024-12-0136210.18489/sacj.v36i2.1784422258Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platformSteven Jordaan0https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2928-2122Nils Timm1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9656-3240Linda Marshall2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5270-243XUniversity of PretoriaUniversity of PretoriaUniversity of PretoriaThis research explores the challenges of teaching automata theory in computer science and proposes a digital solution to enhance learning experiences. Traditionally taught through pen and paper, automata theory often appears daunting to students due to its abstract nature. This study advocates for a shift towards a more interactive, digital approach. It presents a detailed analysis of current teaching practices, highlighting the need for digital innovation. Based on the categorisation of common question types in traditional assessments, the research introduces 'AutomaTutor', a mobile application designed for this specific educational context. 'AutomaTutor' features a user-friendly interface with a guided exercise system and an interactive editor for experimentation. It offers immediate feedback, hints, and varied problem sets, promoting self-guided learning. An experimental evaluation with postgraduate students demonstrated a preference for 'AutomaTutor' over conventional methods, confirming the hypothesis that a digital platform can significantly improve the understanding of automata theory. The study represents a step forward in making theoretical computer science more accessible and engaging, benefiting both teachers and students. It underscores the potential of integrating technology with traditional teaching principles in automata theory education.https://sacj.org.za/article/view/17844automata theorycomputer science educationdigital learning |
| spellingShingle | Steven Jordaan Nils Timm Linda Marshall Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform South African Computer Journal automata theory computer science education digital learning |
| title | Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| title_full | Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| title_fullStr | Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| title_full_unstemmed | Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| title_short | Migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| title_sort | migrating teaching of automata theory to a digital platform |
| topic | automata theory computer science education digital learning |
| url | https://sacj.org.za/article/view/17844 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT stevenjordaan migratingteachingofautomatatheorytoadigitalplatform AT nilstimm migratingteachingofautomatatheorytoadigitalplatform AT lindamarshall migratingteachingofautomatatheorytoadigitalplatform |