The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science organized by Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science. This study investigated the impact of the Hour of Code on students' attitudes towards computer programming and their knowledge of programming. A sample of undergraduate students from two…

The focus of this research was to create and test an introductory computer science course for middle school. Titled "Foundations for Advancing Computational Thinking" (FACT), the course aims to prepare and motivate middle school learners for future engagement with algorithmic problem solving. FACT was also piloted as a seven-week course…

In this paper, we present two studies examining how high school students learn to program in a mobile, social programming environment that we have developed and deployed ("IPRO"). IPRO is delivered, with an associated curriculum, as an iPod Touch app and is freely and publicly available. We find that the affordances of mobility and…

Examines the results of a survey of undergraduates to determine whether their perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about information technology changed as a result of completing an introductory course in computer concepts and literacy. Results of pre- and post-tests as well as the computer attitude survey are appended. (Author/LRW)

Describes a program for formulating and implementing a staff development plan for technology based on experiences in the Lake Forest School District (Delaware). A comparison of pre- and posttest responses of teachers indicated improvement in skill levels and more positive attitudes toward the use of technology in education. The annual technology…

Describes the development of an instrument for measuring the attitudes toward computers and information technology of post-compulsory students ages 16-19 years in the United Kingdom. Highlights include a theoretical model; reliability and validity; internal consistency; test-retest reliability; and criterion validity. A copy of the Computer…

This practicum was developed to help educators overcome their uncomfortableness when using a computer. Seven adult educators were avoiding using the computers purchased for them to use in their classroom with their students. These seven adult educators showed on a survey that they were very uncomfortable using computers and were unable to perform…

This practicum provides solutions to private schools interested in creating a strategic plan for the integration of technology into all areas of the school program. In includes teacher participation and involvement in developing short and long term goals, ideas for developing continuing technology training for teachers, and a process for the…

This paper describes the rationale for investigating the comfort levels in utilizing computer technology by senior level students in a baccalaureate nursing program. Students were surveyed before and after being exposed to various learning activities requiring interaction with computer technology. These structured learning activities included: use…

This paper describes the Reading Language Arts Technology Institute at California Lutheran University (CLU), a two-unit continuing education course to develop teacher content area knowledge in ways that effectively utilize technology in K-12 reading instruction. Goals included: to enhance the teaching of reading and language arts; to better…

The Workplace Project (WPP) at Alpena Community College, in Michigan, uses a range of assessment instruments to measure learner performance in workplace classes. The Test of Adult Basic Education is administered at the beginning of the course to establish a baseline standardized test score, and again at the end of course to measure gains. Also,…