Discrete Mathematics
Teaching discrete structures: a systematic review of the literature
Proceedings of the 42nd ACM technical symposium on Computer science education
Integrating theoretical and empirical computer science in a data structures course
Proceeding of the 44th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
Visual logic puzzles provide a fertile environment for teaching multiple topics in discrete mathematics. Many puzzles can be solved by the repeated application of a small, finite set of strategies. Explicitly reasoning from a strategy to a new puzzle state illustrates theorems, proofs, and logic principles. These provide valuable, concrete examples, in addition to the algebraic proofs that make up most of the examples in textbooks. Creating specialized, pedagogical applets allows more automation of repetitive tasks as well as a framework for discussing and implementing algorithms for solving the puzzles. One such applet is presented here and several possible exercises using it are described.