A Hands-On Approach in Teaching Computer Organization & Architecture through Project Based Learning

Computer Organization and Architecture (COA) is a fundamental core course in the curriculum of undergraduate engineering course in Computer Science. It plays an important role in the academic life of a computer science graduating student, to specialize in the verticals of System Architecture, Embedded System Design, or pursue research in the domains of system engineering for Masters as well as PhD degrees. In this paper, the authors present their teaching experiences through hands-on exposure using Project Based Learning (PBL) to improve the efficacy of learning concepts of Computer Organization and Architecture. Special emphasis is given on imparting the analytical, critical thinking, life-long learning and team working skills. It is evidenced in the literature that team activities promote enhanced learning experiences and value added skills to students, since students tend to engage actively in the group based academic activities. Theoretical concepts of the course are dealt at an abstract level, hence the instructors chose to use LOGISIM, a simulation tool to impart experiential learning. The experiment is observed to be productive, since students exhibited improvements realizing the concepts and were also skilled with analytical and critical thinking.