On the Teaching of Computer Organization to Engineering Undergraduates

The teaching of computer organization has been handled in a number of different ways. The purpose of this paper is to outline an approach that we have classroom tested and found to be successful. A main decision is that of using real machines as design examples. The level of detail used to explain computer component structure and operation is an important consideration. Two examples are presented to show the style we use. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the presentation.