Learning computer science by watching video games

This paper proposes a teaching method that utilizes video games in computer science education. The primary characteristic of this approach is that it utilizes video games as observational materials. The underlying idea is that by observing the computational behavior of a wide variety of video games, learners will easily grasp the fundamental architecture, theory, and technology of computers. The results of a case study conducted indicate that the method enhances the motivation of students for deeper learning of computer science concepts

Introductory Computer Science Education through Computer Games for General Education - Proposal and Evaluation

本論文では，一般情報教育における効果的な授業手法として，コンピュータゲームを積極的に授業資 料として用いる講義形式の授業手法を提案し，2 年間の実践とその結果について評価，考察を行う．本手 法は“教養としての情報科学” の理解促進を目指し，コンピュータゲームの様々な具体例を題材として情報 科学の学問的側面を概観することで“情報の科学的な理解” の効果的な促進を目指すものである．2010 年， 2011 年の2 年にわたる授業実践を通して，本科目が学習者の情報科学への興味を喚起する安定した効果が あることを確認した．本論文では授業実践の評価に加え，情報教育へのゲームの活用についてその効果と 今後の課題について考察する．This paper presents the overview of the practice of a general education course “Introduction to computer science through video games.” This course leads students to a good understanding of computer science by using various examples of technical features of computer games. Through the practices of the course in 2010 and 2011, using computer games as learning materials showed significant positive effects for arising students’ interest in fundamental knowledge of computer science

A Visual Learning Tool for Database Operation

In this paper we propose sAccess, a web-based learning tool for database education. It focuses on introductory computer science education for high school and college. sAccess has an easy-to-use query interface for manipulating databases. Using this tool, students can learn the fundamental knowl- edge of relational database practically. In this paper, we will explain the overview of design and implementation of sAccess

A kinesthetic-based collaborative learning system for distributed algorithms

In this paper, we present a learning support system DASE-E to help students understand fundamental concepts of distributed algorithms in computer science. DASE-E is a collaborative learning system, in which the task of students is to devise a distributed algorithm. DASE-E offers a set of small wireless terminals with accelerometers. Each student plays the role of a process with a terminal, according to the algorithm that students devised. Each terminal enables a student to take physical actions that control the behavior of a process in the simulator. After the role playing simulation is finished, students discuss their activity played back on a screen. We implemented the system for learning distributed leader election algorithms, had a trial exercise in our research group, and we confirmed that it is effective to learn the critical part of distributed systems and algorithms

A Fault Injection Method for Generating Error-correction Exercises in Algorithm Learning

In this paper we propose a method for generating errorcorrection exercises for undergraduate students in computer science who learn algorithms. Our main goal is to inject faults automatically into a correct source code that implements an algorithm to be studied. The proposed method utilizes design paradigm of the algorithm to determine effective fault types and positions in a source code. We have developed a prototype system and evaluated the appropriateness of the generated exercises to algorithm study. We carried out error-correction exercises in an algorithm class, and most students evaluated that the exercises are effective for algorithm study

Non-Hermitian topological Fermi superfluid near the pp-wave unitary limit

We theoretically discuss the non-Hermitian superfluid phase transition in one-dimensional two-component Fermi gases near the $p$-wave Feshbach resonance accompanied by the two-body loss associated with the dipolar relaxation. For the first time we point out that this system gives us an opportunity to explore the interplay among various non-trivial properties such as universal thermodynamics at divergent $p$-wave scattering length, topological phase transition at vanishing chemical potential, and non-Hermitian Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer(BCS) to Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) transition, in a unified manner. In the BCS phase, the loss-induced superfluid-normal transition occurs when the exceptional point appears in the effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. In the BEC phase, the diffusive gapless mode can be regarded as a precursor of the instability of the superfluid state. Moreover, we show that the superfluid state is fragile against the two-body loss near the topological phase transition point.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

A New Method for Calculating Arrival Distribution of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays above 10^19 eV with Modifications by the Galactic Magnetic Field

We present a new method for calculating arrival distribution of UHECRs including modifications by the galactic magnetic field. We perform numerical simulations of UHE anti-protons, which are injected isotropically at the earth, in the Galaxy and record the directions of velocities at the earth and outside the Galaxy for all of the trajectories. We then select some of them so that the resultant mapping of the velocity directions outside the Galaxy of the selected trajectories corresponds to a given source location scenario, applying Liouville's theorem. We also consider energy loss processes of UHE protons in the intergalactic space. Applying this method to our source location scenario which is adopted in our recent study and can explain the AGASA observation above 4 \times 10^{19} eV, we calculate the arrival distribution of UHECRs including lower energy (E>10^19 eV) ones. We find that our source model can reproduce the large-scale isotropy and the small-scale anisotropy on UHECR arrival distribution above 10^19 eV observed by the AGASA. We also demonstrate the UHECR arrival distribution above 10^19 eV with the event number expected by future experiments in the next few years. The interesting feature of the resultant arrival distribution is the arrangement of the clustered events in the order of their energies, reflecting the directions of the galactic magnetic field. This is also pointed out by Alvarez-Muniz et al.(2002). This feature will allow us to obtain some kind of information about the composition of UHECRs and the magnetic field with increasing amount of data.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, to appear in the Astrophysical Journa

A DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM WITH CUSTOMIZABLE SCREEN LAYOUTS FOR MULTIPLE LEARNING SITUATIONS

In this paper, we propose a new distance learning system that can adapt to various styles of learning activity. We assume that the system is used in distance classes with multiple live-streaming videos. Our system has functions to change the screen layout to best suit for the current learning situation for each of the participants in a class. The system also has a function to efficiently monitor the behavior of many students at a time. These functions enable us to adapt various learning activities in distance learning classes. We implemented a prototype of the proposed system and evaluated it in experimental classes. We confirmed that our system improved the activities in the experimental classes

Arrival Distribution of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays: Prospects for the Future

We predict the arrival distribution of UHECRs above $4 \times 10^{19}$ eV with the event number expected by future experiments in the next few years. We perform event simulations with the source model which is adopted in our recent study and can explain the current AGASA observation. At first, we calculate the harmonic amplitude and the two point correlation function for the simulated event sets. We find that significant anisotropy on large angle scale will be observed when $\sim 10^3$ cosmic rays above $4 \times 10^{19}$ eV are detected by future experiments. The statistics of the two point correlation function will also increase. The angle scale at which the events have strong correlation with each other corresponds to deflection angle of UHECR in propagating in the EGMF, which in turn can be determined by the future observations. We further investigate the relation between the number of events clustered at a direction and the distance of their sources. Despite the limited amount of data, we find that the C2 triplet events observed by the AGASA may originate from the source within 100 Mpc. Merger galaxy Arp 299 (NGC 3690 + IC 694) is the best candidate for their source. If data accumulate, the UHECR sources within $\sim 100$ Mpc can be identified from observed event clusterings significantly. This will provide some kinds of information about poorly known parameters which influence the propagation of UHECRs, such as extragalactic and galactic magnetic field, chemical composition of observed cosmic rays. Also, we will reveal their origin with our method to identify the sources of UHECR. Finally, we predict the arrival distribution of UHECRs above $10^{20}$ eV, which is expected to be observed if the current HiRes spectrum is correct, and discuss their statistical features and implications.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures. accepted version for publication in Ap