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Game playing as a technique for teaching parallel computing concepts

Published: 01 September 1992 Publication History
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  • Abstract

    Blackboard tracing of algorithms, while an effective tool for the teaching of sequential programming, is singularly ineffective and confusing when applied to parallel computing. The use of classroom games to illustrate concepts and pathologies proves to be a useful alternative technique. Games in which students play the role of processors can be used to illustrate simple parallel algorithms as well as more complex concepts. Live demonstrations are stimulating for both the participants and the class as a whole. This paper discusses guidelines regarding the development of such exercises and presents several examples.

    References

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    Published In

    cover image ACM SIGCSE Bulletin
    ACM SIGCSE Bulletin  Volume 24, Issue 3
    Sept. 1992
    69 pages
    ISSN:0097-8418
    DOI:10.1145/142040
    Issue’s Table of Contents

    Publisher

    Association for Computing Machinery

    New York, NY, United States

    Publication History

    Published: 01 September 1992
    Published in SIGCSE Volume 24, Issue 3

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    • (2020)PDCunplugged: A Free Repository of Unplugged Parallel Distributed Computing Activities2020 IEEE International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium Workshops (IPDPSW)10.1109/IPDPSW50202.2020.00060(284-291)Online publication date: May-2020
    • (2020)Research on Parallel Computing Teaching: state of the art and future directions2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)10.1109/FIE44824.2020.9273914(1-9)Online publication date: 21-Oct-2020
    • (2019)Assessing the Integration of Parallel and Distributed Computing in Early Undergraduate Computer Science Curriculum using Unplugged Activities2019 IEEE/ACM Workshop on Education for High-Performance Computing (EduHPC)10.1109/EduHPC49559.2019.00008(17-24)Online publication date: Nov-2019
    • (2017)One step at a timeJournal of Parallel and Distributed Computing10.1016/j.jpdc.2016.12.024105:C(4-17)Online publication date: 1-Jul-2017
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