Z3Guide: A Scalable, Student-Centered, and Extensible Educational Environment for Logic Modeling

Ruanqianqian Huang, Ayana Monroe, Peli de Halleux, Sorin Lerner, Nikolaj Bjørner

Abstract:

Constraint-satisfaction problems (CSPs) are ubiquitous, ranging
from budgeting for grocery shopping to verifying software behavior. Logic modeling helps solve CSPs programmatically using
SMT solvers. Despite its importance in many Computer Science
disciplines, resources for teaching and learning logic modeling are
scarce and scattered, and challenges remain in designing educational environments for logic modeling that are accessible and meet
the needs of teachers and students. This paper explores how to
design such an environment and probes the impact of the design
on the learning experience. From a need-finding interview study
and a design iteration with teachers of logic modeling, we curated
10 design guidelines spanning three main requirements: providing
easy access, supporting various educational modalities, and allowing extensions for customized pedagogical needs. We implemented
nine guidelines in Z3Guide, an open-source browser-based tool.
Using Z3Guide in a logic modeling learning workshop with more
than 100 students, we gathered positive feedback on its support for
learning and identified opportunities for future improvements.