10 - Investigations

In computing the various concepts do not exist in isolation from one another, but instead the ideas are all interrelated to each other. The purpose of this chapter is to gain hands on experience with building digital circuits and experimenting with computing concepts. The investigations outlined here are designed to provide a hands on approach to the understanding of the various concepts discussed in the text, and to gain insight into the interrelationships that exist between the concepts. The progression of the investigations follows the development of the concepts in the different chapters of the book. The goal of these investigations is to enhance the learning of computer engineering concepts through hands on design.

As in any investigation, it is important to make careful observations throughout the investigation from the beginning to the end. It is also important to ask questions and know why a particular step or path is being followed in an investigation. The asking of questions leads to insight, and it helps to understand the concepts better. Be curious and ask questions. Experimentation with ideas should be first analyzed theoretically, and then tried practically. Random experimentation should never be done, as it can pose a significant safety risk to the experimenter, and can damage equipment. Results obtained and observations made should be recorded carefully, discussed and compared with others to gain further insight into the concepts.