Hands-on parallel & distributed computing with Raspberry Pi devices and clusters

IF 3.4 3区计算机科学 Q1 COMPUTER SCIENCE, THEORY & METHODS

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing Pub Date : 2024-10-28 DOI:10.1016/j.jpdc.2024.104996

Elizabeth Shoop , Suzanne J. Matthews , Richard Brown , Joel C. Adams

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Abstract

Parallel and distributed computing (PDC) concepts are now required topics for accredited undergraduate computer science programs. However, introducing PDC into the CS curriculum is challenging for several reasons, including an instructor's lack of PDC knowledge and difficulties in accessing PDC hardware. This paper addresses both of these challenges by presenting free, interactive, web-based PDC teaching modules using inexpensive Raspberry Pi single board computers (SBCs). Our materials include a free disk image that makes it possible for instructors to build Raspberry Pi clusters in minutes and use our software in a variety of curricular contexts. Our multi-year assessment of these materials on students and faculty members indicates that: (i) our materials increased students' confidence regarding important PDC concepts and motivated them to study PDC further; and (ii) our materials increased faculty members' confidence and preparedness in teaching key PDC concepts at their own institutions.

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使用 Raspberry Pi 设备和集群进行并行和分布式计算实践

并行和分布式计算（PDC）概念现已成为经认证的计算机科学本科课程的必修课程。然而，将 PDC 引入计算机科学课程具有挑战性，原因有几个，包括教师缺乏 PDC 知识和难以获得 PDC 硬件。本文利用价格低廉的 Raspberry Pi 单板计算机 (SBC)，提供免费、交互式、基于网络的 PDC 教学模块，以解决这两个难题。我们的教材包括一个免费的磁盘映像，使教师能够在几分钟内构建 Raspberry Pi 集群，并在各种课程环境中使用我们的软件。我们对学生和教师使用这些教材的多年评估表明(i) 我们的教材增强了学生对 PDC 重要概念的信心，激发了他们进一步学习 PDC 的动力；(ii) 我们的教材增强了教员的信心，使他们更有准备在自己的机构中教授 PDC 的关键概念。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing 工程技术-计算机：理论方法

CiteScore

10.30

自引率

2.60%

发文量

172

审稿时长

12 months

期刊介绍： This international journal is directed to researchers, engineers, educators, managers, programmers, and users of computers who have particular interests in parallel processing and/or distributed computing. The Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing publishes original research papers and timely review articles on the theory, design, evaluation, and use of parallel and/or distributed computing systems. The journal also features special issues on these topics; again covering the full range from the design to the use of our targeted systems.