Download Logisim and Experience a New Classroom in Artificial Intelligence
Logisim is increasingly becoming a mainstay tool in K-12 education in America, as well as around the globe. It is a common subject used in teaching computer science at both elementary and high school. In the high school level, Logisim is often used as an alternative or supplement to algebra. As an instructor, I use it all the time to reinforce important topics like algebraic equations, quadratic equations, and real summation.
At colleges and universities across the country, students use Logisim in many forms of independent studies, ranging from a short project on logic for higher-education mathematics courses, through a full-semester course on computer engineering, to advanced courses on software engineering, electrical engineering, and logic. Logisim is also a great educational tool for studying artificial intelligence, because it enables students to develop and refine their artificial intelligence algorithms from real applications using a graphical user interface. For example, in the fall of 2009, I helped a student write a paper covering the subject of reinforcement learning. We had a great amount of fun laying out the problems, developing a training system, and finalizing the paper in a record time.
As an instructor of Logisim courses in the high school and college levels, I strongly believe that it is vital to have a close eye on what is being taught in classrooms across the country. Students need to be presented with methods of advanced learning that involve real-life application and logic. I believe this can only happen when teachers are properly trained in Logisim, and there are packages of open-source, download Logisim Circuit simulators available for download everywhere. Students will quickly get comfortable with the convenience of drag and drop visual interface and will begin to explore new ways of approaching problems. I believe this type of realistic educational software will benefit not only high school and college students but, if we are lucky, it may also benefit the current workforce.
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