Advanced Classroom Computing Facility

执行中的计算机算法是动态对象。要了解特定算法是如何工作的，必须可视化算法在执行的每个步骤中状态发生的动态变化。传统的课堂技术，如粉笔和黑板，或观察图和投影仪，不足以说明算法执行的动态。因此，教师在课堂上进行算法模拟面临困难。这是计算机科学几乎每门课程中的一个问题，因为算法是这门学科的核心部分。相对便宜的高分辨率快速图形工作站的出现使得有可能模拟算法的执行，并在屏幕上动态地显示其执行状态的适当图形表示。这些模拟的结果是算法执行过程的交互式“电影”，为学生提供有关所解释的概念的即时视觉反馈。该项目配备了一间教室，并对课程进行了调整，以利用新的环境。主要组件包括连接到特殊输出设备的高分辨率图形工作站，该设备允许学生在大投影屏幕上查看工作站显示。由首席调查员所在机构提供的等额奖金将与此相匹配。

A computer algorithm in execution is a dynamical object. To understand how a particular algorithm works, one has to visualize the dynamical changes that occur to the state of the algorithm at each step of its execution. Traditional classroom technology, such as chalk and blackboard or viewgraphs and overhead projectors are inadequate to illustrate the dynamics of the execution of algorithms. Therefore instructors are faced with difficulties in carrying out simulations of algorithms in the classroom. This is a problem in almost every course in Computer Science, since algorithms form a central part of the discipline. The advent of relatively cheap high resolution fast graphical workstations makes it possible to simulate the execution of an algorithm, and display dynamically appropriate graphical representations of the state of its execution on a screen. The result of these simulations is an interactive "movie" of the execution of the algorithm providing students with immediate visual feedback about the concepts being explained. This project equips a classroom and implements curricula adjustments to take advantage of the new environment. Key components consist of high resolution graphics workstations connected to a special output device that permit students to view workstation displays on a large projection screen. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.