Turning automata theory into a hands-on course

We present a hands-on approach to problem solving in the formal languages and automata theory course. Using the tool JFLAP, students can solve a wide range of problems that are tedious to solve using pencil and paper. In combination with the more traditional theory problems, students study a wider-range of problems on a topic. Thus, students explore the formal languages and automata concepts computationally and visually with JFLAP, and theoretically without JFLAP. In addition, we present a new feature in JFLAP, Turing machine building blocks. One can now build complex Turing machines by using other Turing machines as components or building blocks. Categories and Subject Descriptors F.4.3 [Theory of Computation]: Mathematical Logic and

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Susan H. Rodger, Bart Bressler, Thomas Finley, Stephen Reading
• Keywords: Education, Formal Languages, SIGCSE 2006, Tool Jflap, Turing Machines