Integrating Visualization and Interaction into the Formal Languages and Automata Course

计算机科学教育中的一个主要问题是学生难以理解理论计算机科学中的抽象概念。 几乎所有的形式语言和自动机（弗拉）教科书都以正式的方式呈现材料，几乎没有可视化和反馈。 一个先前开发的教学软件工具，称为JFLAP，允许一个探索弗拉的主题在一个视觉和互动的方式。 附带的用户手册被用作自动机理论教科书的补充。 以往的研究表明，JFLAP易于使用，提高学生的参与度和自我效能。 这个项目扩展了JFLAP的功能，并开发了新的学习模块，引入概念，而不是简单地加强概念。 每个基于网络的模块包括背景信息，有针对性的问题和JFLAP练习。 与典型的教科书不同，该模块的在线性质以及与互动练习交织的内容允许学生探索概念。 目标是开发30个模块，支持传统自动机理论教科书的15个章节。JFLAP已被广泛采用，并在160多个国家使用。 来自不同机构的六名教师被选为早期采用者，并为评估计划做出贡献。 学生的学习收益，软件的可用性和学生的看法进行评估。 开发的材料将免费提供，并推广到大量的JFLAP用户以及更广泛的计算机科学教育社区。

A major problem in computer science education is that students have difficulty understanding abstract concepts in theoretical computer science. Almost all Formal Languages and Automata (FLA) textbooks present material in a formal manner with little visualization and no feedback. A previously developed instructional software tool, called JFLAP, allows one to explore FLA topics in a visual and interactive manner. The accompanying user manual is used as a supplement with an automata theory textbook. Previous studies demonstrate that JFLAP is easy to use, increases student engagement and self-efficacy. This project is extending JFLAP features and developing new learning modules that introduce concepts rather than simply reinforce concepts. Each web-based module includes background information, targeted questions and JFLAP exercises. Unlike a typical textbook, the online nature of the module and interweaving content with interactive exercises allow students to explore concepts. The goal is to develop thirty modules that support fifteen chapters of a traditional automata theory textbook.JFLAP has been widely adopted and is used in over 160 countries. Six faculty from a variety of institutions have been selected to serve as early adopters and contribute to the assessment plan. Student learning gains, software usability and student perceptions are assessed. Developed materials will be available for free and promoted to the extensive number of JFLAP users as well as the broader computer science education community.