Petri net-based simulation of synchronized curriculum for IT-specialists’ training

Abstract

The problems of synchronized curriculum shaping are discussed in the paper in the context of the challenges of contemporary IT specialists’ training in terms of permanent evolution and rapid expansion of computing. The authors’ technique of the curriculum simulation based on Petri net applying is presented. The theoretical framework which allowed us to elaborate the technique includes some didactical fundamentals of curriculum design and academic disciplines structuring as well as the theoretical basics of Petri nets in terms of their significant facilities for different processes synchronization. The technique of academic disciplines structuring based on frame model of knowledge representation is covered as a chain of stages which results in the net of disciplines modules (frames) including the proper learning elements along with preserving and spreading links between them. In order to solve the problem of synchronization of the learning elements mastering throughout the academic disciplines with regard of the established links in the frames, it is offered the practically-driven approach to curriculum modeling based on Petri nets simulation. The different types of the precedence relations for the learning elements (inputs and outputs of the frames) were distinguished. Using these precedence relations, we managed to simulate through Petri nets a learning element itself and the process of its mastering. Using the operations of Petri nets modifications and learning elements’ connections of different types, we could obtain a model of a curriculum discipline module and finally – a curriculum discipline model. Built Petri nets models represent all the evolution of the learning elements mastering by students in the curriculum courses. Synchronization of their mastering is guaranteed by the rules of Petri net execution and modifications. The peculiarities of the offered technique are analyzed. The benefits in terms of applying such a simulation to the building of synchronized curriculum for IT-specialists training are formulated. The prospects of the research are outlined in the lines of using the obtained results for special software development.