Enhancing teaching of computer organization through concrete examples and laboratory experiences

Abstract

This paper discusses a methodology for improving teaching of an undergraduate computer organization course. It explores the use of concrete illustrations for abstract concepts and emphasizes the inclusion of proper lab components to enhance the course learning. During the many semesters' offering of this course, the authors have made continuous efforts to refine the methodology. Both the positive impacts observed by the course instructor and the improvement of the students' performance have shown the effectiveness of the methodology.