Teaching fundamentals of computing theory: a constructivist approach

Authors

  • Carlos Iván Chesñevar Department of Informatics, University of Lleida Jaume II, 69, 25001 Lleida, Spain
  • Ana Gabriela Maguitman Computer Science Department, Indiana University Bloomington, USA
  • María Paula González Department of Informatics, University of Lleida Jaume II, 69, 25001 Lleida, Spain
  • María Laura Cobo Departamento de Cs. e Ing.de la Computación, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina

Keywords:

Computer Science Education, Fundamentals of Computing Theory, Informatics Technology, Constructivism

Abstract

A Fundamentals of Computing Theory course involves different topics that are core to the Computer Science curricula and whose level of abstraction makes them difficult both to teach and to learn. Such difficulty stems from the complexity of the abstract notions involved and the required mathematical background. Surveys conducted among our students showed that many of them were applying some theoretical concepts mechanically rather than developing significant learning. This paper shows a number of didactic strategies that we introduced in the Fundamentals of Computing Theory curricula to cope with the above problem. The proposed strategies were based on a stronger use of technology and a constructivist approach. The final goal was to promote more significant learning of the course topics.

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Published

2004-08-02

How to Cite

Chesñevar, C. I., Maguitman, A. G., González, M. P., & Cobo, M. L. (2004). Teaching fundamentals of computing theory: a constructivist approach. Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 4(02), p. 91–97. Retrieved from https://journal.info.unlp.edu.ar/JCST/article/view/900

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