Assessing Simulation Knowledge and Proficiency Among Undergraduate Computing Students in Brazil: Insights and Results from a Survey Research

TL;DR

This survey investigates the level of simulation knowledge among Brazilian undergraduate computer science students, highlighting the tools used, perceptions, and educational challenges in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Contribution

It provides empirical data on simulation education in Brazil, identifying popular tools and highlighting gaps in students' exposure to simulation topics.

Findings

MATLAB/Simulink is the most used simulation tool in Brazil.

Only a minority of students reported contact with simulation during their studies.

The study emphasizes the need for enhanced simulation training in undergraduate curricula.

Abstract

This paper reports results of an investigation about the level of knowledge among undergraduate computer science students in Brazil regarding the topic of simulation. Amid rapid technological evolution, simulation emerges as a crucial resource for training professionals capable of facing complex challenges. The research seeks to analyze the presence and effectiveness of simulation education, exploring students' perceptions, the tools used, the challenges faced, and the prospects for deeper study. This report highlights the importance of academic training in a dynamic technological environment, emphasizing the crucial role of simulation education in undergraduate computer science, while exploring the foundations of the methodologies and educational strategies associated with the topic. A survey research approach is adopted. 108 answers were received from 10 Brazilian states. 19 respondents from 15 different institutions said they had some contact with simulation during their studies. Results reveal that MATLAB/Simulink is the most popular formalism/tool used to teach simulation in Brazil.