Creating Notional Machines to Support Learners: Principles, Design Challenges, and Staged Guidance
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Students in introductory computing courses often struggle with fundamental computing topics and related concepts. Researchers have linked this with the challenge of conceptualizing the underlying mechanisms of basic computing processes and the multilayered interaction between the source code and the machine. To address this, educators frequently use notional machines (NMs) - simplified models of program execution that support students with diverse analogies, metaphors, diagrams, and representations. However, there is comparatively little guidance for CS educators on considerations and best practices in creating NMs for learning. In this poster, we present key considerations and design guidance for NM creation to support future CS educators.
Authors: Saquib Sarwar, David Wilson
Institution: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Subfield: Computer Science Applications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128766110