Learning environments for programming education need a comprehensive task set that guides students from basic programming concepts to complex challenges. For creating such a task set, it is beneficial to utilize the concept of a design space--a systematic mapping of design dimensions and choices along these dimensions. We propose an iterative…

Students in all areas of computing require knowledge of the computing device including software implementation at the machine level. Several courses in computer science curricula address these low-level details such as computer architecture and assembly languages. For such courses, there are advantages to studying real architectures instead of…

Instructors teaching beginning programming classes are often interested in exercises that involve processing photographs (i.e., files stored as .jpeg). They may wish to offer activities such as color inversion, the color manipulation effects archived with pixel thresholding, or steganography, all of which Stevenson et al. [4] assert are sought by…

We introduce an effective computer aided learning visual tool (CALVT) to teach graph-based applications. We present the robot motion planning problem as an example of such applications. The proposed tool can be used to simulate and/or further to implement practical systems in different areas of computer science such as graphics, computational…

Discusses how to use vector graphics programming on Apple microcomputers for creating animation. Secondary school students with programming experience should be able to master the essentials of the two-stage technique, especially if they have already worked with LOGO graphics. (JN)

Learning how to create smooth animation on the computer is a two-step process. Step one (discussed in SE 539 133) involves creating shapes. In the second step, students animate their newly created shapes. The programing necessary to accomplish the animation is discussed. (JN)

Describes a program in vegetable gardening developed by Purdue University specialists in horticulture and computer technology. This computer program offers residents of Indiana individual garden plans based on their own specifications. (CT)

Presents six computer-oriented classroom activities. They include: surveying a house for products using microprocessors, writing a program to display a flag, experimenting with LOGO's graphics capabilities, writing stories on the computer, using FOR/NEXT commands to create a blinking object, and teaching the Milton Bradley Big Trak to play…

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

Modern computing systems exploit graphical user interfaces for interaction with users; as a result, introductory computer science courses must begin to teach the principles underlying such interfaces. This paper presents an approach to graphical user interface (GUI) implementation that is simple enough for beginning students to understand, yet…

Presents computer-oriented teaching suggestions suitable for early grades. They include creating houses and stained glass ornaments using Logo, recording class activities with a database management program, making mazes with graphics programs, making drawings with a KoalaPad, and using a program to introduce computers to non-English speaking…

Describes subroutines in a group of assembly-level programs (program listings included) which provide the interface between a Basic, Pascal/Z, or JRT Pascal program and the BASE2/IDS-560 graphics printer. The interface can be easily modified for other printers and other languages. (JN)

In senior-level undergraduate research courses in Computer Information Systems (CIS), students are required to read and assimilate a large volume of current research literature. One course objective is to demonstrate to the student that there are patterns or models or paradigms of research. A new approach in identifying research paradigms is…

Discusses the place of descriptive geometry in schools problems of teaching technical graphics to young students. Instructional materials for teaching technical graphics, graphic programs, program development, and the value of school project work are considered. Sample computer-generated drawings are included. (JN)

Presents five activities suitable for middle grades. These include listings for a car race (BASIC) and poetry (Pilot) programs, and activities on graphics without programing, new meanings (related to computers) of old words, and developing a list of historical events. (JN)