| This dissertation presents the author's design, implementation, and evaluation of active learning animation software for teaching the theory of computation. The software builds on techniques used in traditional textbooks, in which concepts are illustrated with static diagrams. Developers of animation software have worked to make these traditional static diagrams come to life using motion, color, and sound (a process commonly referred to as animation), allowing students to manipulate and explore concepts in a fully interactive graphical environment. However, the mere vivification of static diagrams exploits only a small amount of the potential that modern personal computing environments provide. It is possible for animation software to make further use of this potential by providing learning activities that would be impractical or even impossible to duplicate using traditional methods.; To support this claim, the author developed software for simulating finite state automata (FSAs), the FSA Simulator. The FSA Simulator is designed for a variety of uses from in-class demonstrations to integration into a comprehensive "hypertext book." Although many others have developed similar software, the FSA Simulator advances a step beyond conventional automaton simulations. Using algorithms that compute the closure properties of regular languages, the FSA Simulator can be used to create interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to students and guide them toward correct solutions.; The effect of the FSA Simulator on students' learning was evaluated in preliminary experiments in undergraduate computer science laboratories at Montana State University. While these initial investigations cannot be considered either comprehensive or conclusive, they do indicate that use of the FSA Simulator significantly improves students' performance on exercises and may have some positive impact on students' ability to construct FSAs without the assistance of the Simulator.; The development of the FSA Simulator represents significant progress in creating and evaluating active learning animation software to support the teaching and learning of the theory of computation. The author has demonstrated that such software can be created, that it can be effective, and that students find such software more motivating than traditional teaching and learning resources. |
