The focus of this research project was to examine how problem- based learning (PBL) impacts students' interest and knowledge in computer science (CS) at the elementary level. By focusing on a problem that emphasizes social activism, we hypothesized that PBL CS could increase interest for students. We employed an iterative design-based research…

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,…

A method is detailed for introducing computer usage into any course in a medical curriculum and concomitantly stimulating student utilization of such technology. It is felt medicine will rely more heavily upon computer uses in the future, and that familiarity with computer technology provides confidence and competence in physician usage. (MP)

Reviews findings from change process research connecting current issues in the microcomputer movement. Concludes with a call for descriptive studies emphasizing development of hypotheses and theory building, particularly in further research and development efforts around software and implementation issues. (MP)

Describes a two-semester computer science course, outlining course objectives and discussing classroom management techniques, software used, and courseware developed. Also includes table of contents for student manuals, and comments indicating that the course is meeting its objectives. (JN)

Computer Science formal education brings together old-timers from two computer-literate cultures. The curriculum is oriented toward the academic community, whose interest is in the abstraction, solution, and proofs of algorithmic problems, whereas many students are technology users, whose main interest is the manipulation of the products of…

Cites need for properly integrating computers into curriculum, warning about past mistakes and looking at methods to promote curricular change. Identifies as important goals a clear definition of mathematics education and the benefits of a technologically integrated curriculum presenting ideas/strategies for achieving these goals. (JM)

Describes a study to determine if a school district implementing an unfamiliar curricular change completed the same tasks as those using a model developed by Bishop. Reports that the district was more task oriented when confronted with an unfamiliar curricular change than previously reported. (MVL)