Resumen de Comparing the effectiveness of a microprocessor training system and a simulator to teach computer architecture
Nurettin Topaloglu, Sami Sahin, Celebi Uluyol
Computer architecture is one of the basic courses in computer engineering departments. In this course both trainingsystems and simulators are widely used for practice. The objective of this study is to compare a commercially availablemicroprocessor training system (Lab-Volt) and a more affordable simulator (Visual 6502 Microprocessor Simulator). Thecomparison was based on 93 students enrolled in a computer architecture course. They were divided into two groups: oneused the commercially available trainer and the other used the simulator. The assessment data were based on the resultsfrom a questionnaire completed by students and on their academic performance in the course. The results revealed thatboth tools support learning computer architecture and do not have significant differences in terms of learning outcomes.However, the simulator offers visual advantages compared to the training system.
