In this article, the relatively new phenomenon of integrating coding and computer science (CS) related concepts and skills into the K-8 grades is analysed through a comparative analysis of related provincial curriculum initiatives in Canada. First, provincial K-8 curricula that include coding and CS related concepts and skills are identified, as…

In this essay, we argue that Twitch is an incredible platform for cultivating discourse-based interviews (DBIs) and has yet to be addressed in DBI research involving digital tools. To demonstrate that argument, we detail the methods behind collaborative research project between two undergraduates and a faculty studying game developers on the…

Langara College, as one of the leading undergraduate institutions in the province of British Columbia (BC), offers the "Applied Science for Engineering" two-year diploma program as well as the "Engineering Transfer" two-semester certificate program. Three project-based courses are offered as part of the two-year diploma program…

Purpose: Problem/project-based-learning (PBL) approaches have traditionally been shown to be effective for learning within many professional programs that are directly related to the students' future career. The PBL approach has been adopted for over four decades in such fields as medicine and engineering and studies have demonstrated that…

Every few years, there is a breakthrough in information technology, introducing a new concept that becomes widely used. This paper deals with the challenges IT (information technology) instructors face due to these rapid developments in the IT industry. More specifically, we are interested in the challenges instructors of the introductory IT…

This study compares Polish post-secondary vocational institutions with Canadian community colleges using an information technology conceptual framework. The research concentrated upon programs in information technology delivered by one Polish school Cracow School of Information Technology and two Canadian community colleges Durham (Oshawa,…

The recent publication of "Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians" highlights the importance of human capital as a means of improving the economic well-being of Canadians. This monitoring report looks at a subset of the issues in the document with a focus on the participation in training while unemployed. The report looks…

The organizational scheme of the 1984 Alberta Computer Literacy Curriculum and its appropriateness in relation to stated purposes, philosophy, rationale, and goals are examined in this paper, using the junior high school curriculum for illustration. Several conclusions are drawn: (1) the curriculum is well organized; (2) its basic organizational…

An evaluation is presented of two inservice courses on computer science designed to help teachers achieve computer literacy. Positive changes in teachers' attitudes toward computers were noted as well as gains in functional knowledge and computer literacy. There was little or no change in teachers' priorities for computer use, program expansion,…

Designed to provide information for decision making when the current 5-year contract with the supplier of computing services to the Manitoba High School Computer Network expires in 1982, this study included both an assessment of the existing situation and the identification of alternative options for the provision of computer services to the…

At the University of Victoria (British Columbia), computer mediated communications have been used since 1988 in the delivery of distance education in the Certificate Program in Computer Based Information Systems. From 1988 to 1990, a university mainframe computer was used as the host for communications, but since 1990, the host has been a personal…