Introduction to the Teaching Reform of the Course "Computer Organization Principles"

Abstract

According to in-situ cases of the course "Computer Organization Principles", this paper puts forwards several reform proposals combined hardware-teaching features: Focusing on the importance and objectives of the course; Dynamically deleting or adding related teaching content such as the new multicore technology and theory; Paying more attention to three-layer experimental system links; Promoting theory-teaching and CAI experiment-teaching; with the theory of Constructivist Learning Theory, Creating examination database and strengthening self-development of the course teacher, especially, the new recent technology of computer organization and architecture.

Using simulators for teaching computer organization and architecture

“…Although the commercial tools have many capabilities and advanced features, they are ill-suited for teaching. Several authors have pointed out that the commercial tools have lot of disadvantages for the students, mainly because they are designed for commercial purposes and for the professional market, yet their usage is not simple enough for the students to complete their tasks; an introductory class' students may actually be discouraged by the tool's complexity [13]. On the other hand, somebody might argue that the commercial tools help the students build the skills that are required for industry.…”

“…The simulators should be user-friendly, allowing instructors to utilize them in a number of different laboratory experiments and in multiple courses. For even wider acceptance, the tools should also support distance learning [13].…”

“…The simulators may target different topics in the undergraduate and postgraduate courses [13]. The simulators help a learner write the assembly language code and then observe its execution (fetch-execution cycle) graphically.…”