Computing Reviews
Today's Issue Hot Topics Search Browse Recommended My Account Log In
Review Help
Search
An approach to task-based parallel programming for undergraduate students
Ayguadé E., Jiménez-González D. Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing118 (P1):140-156,2018.Type:Article
Date Reviewed: Aug 30 2018

It is always interesting to read how academics are developing fresh ideas to enhance student learning experiences. In this paper, the authors present a “proposed syllabus and framework for teaching parallel programming,” as part of third-year coursework for a bachelor’s degree in informatics engineering. The paper presents a course with three learning objectives: (1) “to design, implement, and analyze parallel programs”; (2) “to write simple models to evaluate [parallel programming]”; and (3) “to gain an understanding of the [architecture of] parallel programming.”

The programming code snippets in this paper are very complex and lead the reader through several algorithm examples that are only suitable for people with advanced programming knowledge. However, given the advanced topic, the presumptive readership for this type of paper is fellow academics and professional lecturers in computer science (CS). The simple analysis of student success in the final section does provide evidence that the proposed approach has merit and should be considered for permanent adoption.

The rationale for teaching parallel programming is fully justified based on advances in computational hardware, while the pedagogical approach suggested by the authors is sound. As a longtime lecturer of programming languages, I believe it is important that CS courses embrace new and innovative ideas for course structure and delivery. I would highly recommend this paper to all CS lecturers in higher education.

Reviewer:  S. M. Godwin Review #: CR146223 (1811-0573)
Bookmark and Share
  Featured Reviewer  
 
Parallel Programming (D.1.3 ... )
 
 
Computers And Education (K.3 )
 
Would you recommend this review?
yes
no
Other reviews under "Parallel Programming": Date
How to write parallel programs: a first course
Carriero N. (ed), Gelernter D. (ed), MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1990. Type: Book (9780262031714)
Jul 1 1992
Parallel computer systems
Koskela R., Simmons M., ACM Press, New York, NY, 1990. Type: Book (9780201509373)
May 1 1992
Parallel functional languages and compilers
Szymanski B. (ed), ACM Press, New York, NY, 1991. Type: Book (9780201522433)
Sep 1 1993
more...

E-Mail This Printer-Friendly
Send Your Comments
Contact Us
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.   Copyright 1999-2024 ThinkLoud®
Terms of Use
| Privacy Policy