Theoretical Branches in Teaching Computer Science

Overview & Synopsis

The present paper describes an educational experiment dealing with teaching the theory of formal languages and automata as well as their application concepts. It presents a practical application of an educational experiment and initial results based on comparative instruction of two samples of students (n = 56). The application concept should improve the efficiency of the teacher's activity and professional education at the tertiary level. It could be used in disciplines having a strong logical structure and formalization. The concept is aimed at higher educational objectives such as understanding, application, analysis and synthesis. The students are presented with practical examples from their professional life--algorithmization, compilers etc. This educational method is especially recommended for teachers (in-service education) and practically oriented professionals (distance education). The results and conclusions are included in the teaching process at the Department of Computer Science University of Ostrava.