Realizing the promise of visualization in the theory of computing

Abstract

____________________________________________________________Progress on a hypertextbook on the theory of computing is presented. The hypertextbook is a novel teaching and learning resource built around web technologies that incorporates text, sound, pictures, illustrations, slide shows, video clips, and-most importantly-active learning models of the key concepts of the theory of computing into an integrated resource. Active learning models currently exist for finite state automata, regular expressions, regular grammars, the pumping lemma for regular languages, context-free grammars, LL (1) parsing, and program execution. The seamless interweaving of these components into a browser-ready whole will help realize the goal of integrating visualization aids into theory courses.

Increasing engagement in automata theory with JFLAP

“…Taylor [25] explores several types of machines. Ross [7] is developing a hypertextbook for many topics in automata theory. Many of these tools focus on a small set of topics.…”

Incorporating transformations into jflap for enhanced understanding of automata

“…SIGCSE'08, March 12-15, 2008, Portland, Oregon, USA. Many software tools have been developed to teach automata theory, some of which are listed in [2] and [3]. One of the most successful tools is JFLAP [1,4,8,9,10,11].…”

Engaging students in formal language theory and theory of computation

“…A common thread in many works is illustrated by [3,5] which emphasis the reduction of the abstraction level of the material by the use of simulations of various mathematical machines. Active learning approaches like those in [4,6] stress the importance of providing students with tools that allow them to "actively engage" the material. The approaches cited all provide pedagogical tools to reduce the level of abstraction, to actively engage students with the course material, or to motivate the material through both concrete examples and applications.…”