Explanations of data systems concepts in CS education : an updated view on notional machines

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Miedema, Daphne and Goodfellow, Martin and Satyavolu, Chandrika and Haldeman, Georgiana and Busuttil, Leonard and Farinetti, Laura and Guerrini, Giovanna and Pan, Yuhan and Ramagoni, Sujeeth Goud and Sooriamurthi, Raja and Tu, Xiaoying; (2026) Explanations of data systems concepts in CS education : an updated view on notional machines. In: ITiCSE-WGR 2025: Proceedings of the 2025 Working Group Reports on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education. ACM, pp. 108-135. ISBN 979-8-4007-2167-0 (https://doi.org/10.1145/3760545.3783971)

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Abstract

As data-driven fields such as machine learning, visualization, and data science continue to grow, a solid foundation in data systems has become increasingly important. However, research on how students learn concepts of data systems remains limited, particularly regarding the role of notional machines. In this working group report, we examined educational materials, such as textbooks, to collect and categorize notional machines used across database subtopics. Our analysis shows variation in how notional machines are employed: most are presented visually, many rely on prior CS or database knowledge, and a significant number are under-specified, posing risks for student misconceptions. By highlighting well-defined examples and common patterns, this report provides a pedagogical resource for educators, supports the development of clearer instructional materials, and lays the groundwork for theory-building in data systems education.

ORCID iDs

Miedema, Daphne, Goodfellow, Martin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2151-8442, Satyavolu, Chandrika, Haldeman, Georgiana, Busuttil, Leonard, Farinetti, Laura, Guerrini, Giovanna, Pan, Yuhan, Ramagoni, Sujeeth Goud, Sooriamurthi, Raja and Tu, Xiaoying;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)