A Web-based Computer Architecture Course Database

1 Edward F. Gehringer, North Carolina State University, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, [email protected] 2 Tony M. Louca, North Carolina State University, Research Assistant, Department of Electrical Engineering, [email protected] Abstract  A Web-based database of course materials in computer architecture is being developed. Its goal is to allow instructors at different institutions to share independently developed materials and to develop new materials jointly. This database comprises problems and lectures downloaded (with permission) from the Websites of courses in computer architecture at universities around the world. The site is searchable by classification or fulltext string for problems on particular topics. Instructors can obtain accounts that will allow them to browse the database content and load their questions directly. A Java application is being developed to further automate the process. This project has been developed in conjunction with the WebAssign project for on-line homework submission and grading. Where the format permits, homework and test problems can be automatically graded. Although this prototype is specific to the field of computer architecture, the software for building the database is usable for constructing databases in almost any academic field. Index Terms  Computer Architecture Course Database, Education Engineering, Online Course Material, WebAssign.