COMPAD stands for the Learning PAD for COMputer systems

It is an innovative and pen-based learning platform that turns pen-based tablet PCs into customizable simulators and discussion forums to enhance both education and research in computer systems.

With an extensible library of execution models, the COMPAD platform can dynamically produce "live animations" of program executions for various computer architectures ranging from conventional to high-performance computing machines.

Due to various successes of this project, it was selected for "Project Highlights" by the MSRA in 2011. Dr. Vincent Tam (P.I. of this project) and some EEE students were interviewed by the MSRA team during October of 2011 to talk about their experience and potential impacts out of this meaningful project. A report is available here.