Written Materials for Teaching Support for RESOLVE/C++ courses

Index:

Abstract
Calendar
Project Development
Links and References
Return to Europa

Abstract:

While passing through the introductory CSE sequence, i.e., 221, 222 & 321, several key areas of difficulty for fellow students were noted.

Three of them are listed below:
1. Pointers
2. Predicate Calculus
3. Simple ideas from Set Theory

This project aims to create more useful resources for the use of students in this sequence to enable them to develop a better understanding and establish a firm foundation in the principles of software component engineering.

Calendar:

• April 2002 : Presented ideas for project at Europa meeting.
  
• April 2002 - February 2003 : Working on documenting an appendix for the Pointer component, providing sample traces and a discussion of the mathematical model of this component.
  
• February 2003: Presented on two competing mathematical models for pointers, and finalized which model would be used in the appendix.
  
• April 2003: The appendix is currently under review

Project Development:

One of the first decisions that had to be made involved selecting a topic for which we could begin creating material. The Europa meeting proved useful for this, since after discussion with other members we were able to set our sights on creating an appendix for the Pointer component. 

In May 2002, Dr. Heym discussed a mathematical model of a pointer with us, and following from the complexity of the model, we were initially unsure if presenting it to incoming students would aid their understanding at all. However, we have decided to present the model in the appendix for now, and based on initial reactions from students, refine the appendix accordingly.

During the Fall '02 quarter, we were able to make considerable progress in moving toward the final form of the Pointer component appendix, by motivating the need for Pointers, beginning the presentation of the mathematical model, describing the pitfalls associated with the use of Pointers, and presenting the Pointer_C component as a solution to many of these problems.

Below we provide, a link to our presentation made on February 6, 2003
Microsoft PowerPoint | HTML

Links and References:

The following link should take you to the working document for the Pointer component.
Pointer Appendix: PDF

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