A Practical and Systemic Curricular Approach to Teach Computer Systems

Abstract

The project of computer systems is an important theme that must be present, mainly, in Computer Engineering curriculum. Traditionally, in a computing curricular program, the corresponding subject matters are introduced by a compartmentalized way in specific curricular units, generating a fragmented view of the development of a truly complex computer system. In order to avoid this fragmented view, this article proposes a systemic and curricular approach, integrating hardware and software designs, which allows students to project a complex computer system over three years of their academic trajectories. This approach was validated in a Computer Engineering program at the Federal University of São Paulo, bringing positive results in relation to students’ motivation and enthusiasm, as well as encouraging creative and innovative thinking outcomes.