Multitudes of Problem-solving Exercises and Worked Examples for the Study of Algorithms in an Operating Systems Course

Andrew Kwok Fai Lui, Maria Hiu Man Poon and Raymond Man Hong Wong
The Open University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR, China

Problem-solving exercises and worked examples are effective for the study of algorithms when programming laboratories are not available. Worked examples facilitate visualization of the execution of algorithms, and problem-solving exercises allow validation of one’s understanding. A multitude of such exercises and examples, however, can promote deeper analysis of algorithms through comparing and contrasting the outcomes of algorithm execution. The project described in this paper investigates how students interact with a virtually unlimited number of exercises and examples. An online tutoring system based on problem-solving exercise generators was developed as a learning supplement for students in an operating system course, as well as an experimental platform for recording the interaction patterns of users. The study of established algorithms is important and challenging for students in operating systems courses. This paper reports several interesting findings about how students perceive such an online tutoring system. The system was very well received and most students considered the system from the most practical perspective, which is an exercise book for preparing quizzes and examinations.

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Acknowledgement: The authors would like to thank the Institute for Research in Open and Innovative Education, established with the substantial support of a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (UGC/IDS16/15) for its inspiration for the work reported in the paper.