This paper explores Computational Thinking (CT) through the experiences and interactions of sixth-grade students as they were engaging in a science lesson utilizing robotics. This robotics unit institutes the shifting from traditional to engaging hands-on activities coupled with CT skills that are exciting, intriguing, and inviting to students.…

The popular press is rife with examples of how students in the United States and around the globe are learning to program, make, and tinker. The Hour of Code, maker-education, and similar efforts are advocating that more students be exposed to principles found within computer science. We propose an expansion beyond simply teaching computational…

This paper presents the results of a comparison study between graduate students taking a software security course at an American university and international working professionals taking a version of the same course online through a free massive open online course (MOOC) created in the Google CourseBuilder learning environment. A goal of the study…

In this study half of 52 sixth graders learned to program in MSWLogo and the other half in Drape. An analysis of students' test scores revealed that Drape (an iconic language) seemed to have a steeper learning curve than MSWLogo (a textual language). However, as students gradually became more familiar with either language, the difference in…

From 2004-2007, the University of Memphis carried out the NSF-funded Tri-P-LETS (Three P Learning Environment for Teachers and Students) project to improve local high-school computer science curricula. The project reached a total of 58 classrooms in eleven high schools emphasizing problem solving skills, programming concepts as opposed to syntax,…

This paper focuses on challenges in mentoring software development projects in the high school and analyzes difficulties encountered by Computer Science teachers in the mentoring process according to Shulman's Teacher Knowledge Base Model. The main difficulties that emerged from the data analysis belong to the following knowledge sources of…

The advancement of computer technology used for research is creating the need to change the way classes are taught in higher education. "Bringing Research Tools into the Classroom" has become a major focus of the work of the Office of Educational Innovation and Technology (OEIT) for the Dean of Undergraduate Education (DUE) at the…

Discusses the nature and uses of LOGO programing language with primary children. Sample program listings and the results obtained by primary children are included. (JN)

Presents a collection of short items, including: (1) a routine to watch while computer processing occurs; (2) a MSBASIC-to-WORDSTAR translator; (3) an easy by-column printout; and (4) a selection of one-line functions, such as automatic string centering. (JN)

Iteration is the process of doing something repeatedly in a computer program. In LOGO, the most elementary form of iteration is provided by the REPEAT command. This paper explores how programers can use LOGO's extensibility to create more powerful iterative forms than those offered by the REPEAT command. (JN)

Contains annotations for resources on the history of computing. Includes resources for technical computing history, general computing history, precomputer era, the impact of computing and series. (CW)

Reviews three software programs: "Fraction Fuel-Up"; "Explorations in Chemistry"; and "Locus." Includes information on: instructional orientation, educational level, systems package, publisher, program description, strengths and weaknesses, applications, and recommendations for improvement. Includes a general critique statement in the summary…

Discusses artificial intelligence, its definitions, and potential applications. Provides listings of Logo and BASIC versions for programs along with REM statements needed to make modifications for use with Apple computers. (RT)

Describes a summer graduate level course at Virginia Commonwealth University for mathematics teachers. Notes that the purpose of the course was to allow the teachers access to software usable in their classrooms, and to have teachers program in BASIC and use word processing programs. (MVL)

Compares policies and programs on computers in science and mathematics education in the six ASEAN countries: Brunei, Indonesia; Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Limits discussion to the computer as a teaching aid and object of study, attendant problems, and regional cooperation. (MVL)