Title : A Visual and Interactive Approach to the Foundations of Computer Science Type : Award NSF Org : DUE Latest Amendment Date : October 28, 1994 File : a9596002 Award Number: 9596002 Award Instr.: Standard Grant Prgm Manager: Theodore J. Sjoerdsma DUE DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION EHR DIRECT FOR EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES Start Date : November 1, 1994 Expires : December 31, 1996 (Estimated) Expected Total Amt. : $53,618 (Estimated) Investigator: Susan H Rodger rodger@cs.rpi.edu Sponsor : Duke University 01 Allen Building Box 90077 Durham, NC 277032570 919/684-2813 NSF Program : 7410 DUE COURSE & CURRICULUM PROG Fld Science : 31 Computer Science & Engineering Fld Applictn: 0000099 Other Applications NEC Abstract : 9354791 Rodger Theoretical concepts provide the fundamental basis for computer science, yet many undergraduates obtain a superficial understanding of these concepts due to the pencil and paper environment in which these concepts are currently taught. Our main objective is to provide an environment for presenting and communicating abstract computer science concepts in a more efficient, visual and interactive manner. We plan to redesign the sophomore formal languages and automata theory course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to use interactive and visual software tools we have developed and will continue to develop. These tools allow students to experiment with concepts in formal languages and automata, receiving immediate feedback. We will evaluate the usage of these tools in two ways: in a lecture format with computer demonstrations, and in a lecture/lab format. The material to be developed includes manuscripts for the lecture and lab presentation formats, problem sets, and software tools. This material will be disseminated through computer science education conferences, journals, and newsgroups on the Internet. In addition, a one day workshop will be held during the second year for evaluation and dissemination of our methods and tools. *** .