A platform designed to motivate the autonomous learning about computer architectures

In this paper, an approach to improve the students' autonomous learning is presented. In particular, we describe a platform used in the subject “The basics of computer architectures”. This subject is studied during the first year of the Bachelor Degree of Telecommunication Engineering (especiality in Telematics). This platform was designed to allow the students to work with a hypothetic computer simulator remotely via Internet. We describe an experience based on voluntary activities in which the students have the possibility to evaluate their skills writing routines on this simulator. Results of this experience confirm that the use of this platform motivates the students to work autonomously and in turns increases their learning about computer architectures.