Teaching fundamentals of computing theory: a constructivist approach

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2004Author
Chesñevar, Carlos Iván
Maguitman, Ana Gabriela
González Azconegui, María Paula
Cobo, María Laura
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Chesñevar, Carlos Iván;
Maguitman, Ana Gabriela;
González Azconegui, María Paula;
Cobo, María Laura;
.
(2004)
.
Teaching fundamentals of computing theory: a constructivist approach.
Journal of Computer Science & Technology, 2004, vol. 4, núm. 2, p. 91-97.
http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/41497.
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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.