Enhancing Computer Architecture Education Through Decentralized Visual Programming and RISC-V Simulation

Abstract

Teaching computer architecture and assembly language poses significant challenges due to the complexity of underlying concepts and the technical barriers associated with traditional simulation tools. In this paper, we present a web-based simulation platform that integrates visual programming with decentralized RISC-V simulation to improve accessibility and engagement in computer architecture education. The platform allows students to construct and execute RISC-V instructions through a browser-based visual interface without the need for local simulator installation or specialized hardware. In this work, we showcase the integration of this simulation environment with the Visual IoT/Robotics Programming Language Environment (VIPLE), a tool designed to facilitate teaching computational thinking. VIPLE can be applied in teaching both basic and advanced computing technologies, including autonomous driving experiments, traffic simulation, and quantum computing. This paper presents the new development in VIPLE for teaching computer organization through a RISC-V simulator connected to VIPLE, which allows compiling a piece of C code into RISC-V assembly code and running the assembly code on the simulator with a step-by-step animation to help students understand computer components and the instruction execution process.