Turing Station: uma plataforma web para estudo e simulação de máquinas de Turing

Abstract

The Turing Machine is an extremely important concept for the Theory of Computation. This is a fundamental model in the field of computability, an area that investigates what can and cannot be computed through algorithms. To facilitate the understanding of this concept, several technological tools have been developed with the aim of helping students learn while practicing. However, most of these tools have limitations, whether due to a lack of functionality, usability problems or poorly organized and unattractive interfaces for users. This work develops, presents and evaluates Turing Station, a responsive web application created to facilitate practical learning of Turing Machine concepts. Turing Station allows the creation and interactive simulation of Turing Machines and their variants, being accessible on several different devices. Validation of the Turing Station was carried out using a form applied to a group of students after actually using the application to solve exercises related to Turing Machines, in the Theory of Computation classes, at the Federal University of Ceará – Campus Quixadá. The results demonstrated high satisfaction on the part of users, who highlighted the ease of use, the well-developed interface and, mainly, the positive impact of the tool on the understanding and practice of Turing Machine concepts covered in the classroom.