Computer Educational Datapath (CED): basic computer design for K-12 education

Through the educational tools that we are developing, the building blocks of computer hardware can be explored by middle school and high school students. The main purpose of this educational tool is to initiate interest in digital hardware design through the demonstration of computer processor design. The Computer Educational Datapath (CED) allows the user to build and program a single-cycle datapath. The CED is a versatile, programmable, computer datapath enhanced with input and output. Unique features of this device include its ability to be reconfigured for larger data loads to allow the user full access to supported instructions and to provide full programmability of basic computer algorithms. The CED has the potential to influence students in their interaction with one of the most powerful tools of all times - the computer.