Teaching How Computers Work by Constructing Programs Using a CPU Simulator in General Information Education for Freshmen

In a general information education class for freshmen of Hokkaido University, we used a CPU simulator in order to help students understand the calculation procedure on the CPU. The analysis of the results of a questionnaire concerning the course showed that understanding, interest and motivation with regard to the basic principles of computers were improved by solving exercises using the simulator in addition to textbook learning. As a result of the exercises, it was found that the material was useful not only to understand the principles of the CPU but to promote better understanding of “computational thinking.