Abstract: This paper presents the RISC-V Online Tutor course which
provides structured, self-paced RISC-V architecture and applications training.
The course browser transparently interacts with remote RISC-V hardware,
implemented on an FPGA array. The course is implemented and supported by the
reported vicilogic platform which provides online learning, remote FPGA
prototyping and course builder. Lessons control remote hardware input signals,
probe all RISC-V processor signals and overlay signal widgets on interactive
course diagrams. The strategy provides a visually-rich, interactive
learn-by-doing experience. The paper presents the course structure, and
examples of the interactive lesson pedagogy. User experience, opinion and
analytics are presented for a group of 45 users. Results indicate a high level
of user satisfaction, and effective independent learning and achievement.
Course availability is timely, with the growing interest in the RISC-V
open-source Instruction Set Architecture, the call for training materials by
the RISC-V Foundation, and the increasing demand for practical online learning
systems, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.