Java slot machine applet: nifty assignment
Thomas Mertz · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2010
This paper describes an assignment in which a student implements a Java applet that simulates a slot machine. The assignment is given in an advanced Java programming course in conjunction with the topic of multithreading. The assignment's student learning objectives include: (1) implement multiple concurrent threads, (2) recognize and use the Java synchronized construct, (3) recognize and use thread states to pause and resume thread execution, (4) use nested panels to construct an attractive GUI. Because most students know what a slot machine is, they immediately understand the requirements of the assignment and most think it is fun.