Abstraction is a key concept in CS, one of the most fundamental ideas underlying CS and its practice. However, teaching this soft concept to novices is a very difficult task, as discussed by many CSE experts. This paper discusses this issue, and suggests a general framework for teaching abstraction in CS to novices, a framework that would fit into…

Agile methodologies have become increasingly popular among software developers as evidenced by industrial participation at related conferences. The popularity of agile practices over traditional techniques partly stems from the fact that these practices provide for more customer involvement and better accommodate rapidly changing requirements,…

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…

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)

A pair of abacuses is used to illustrate addition, subtraction (by adding complements), multiplication, and division, with simplified examples given to illustrate the various features of each operation. Also indicates how this information can help students understand computer operations. (JN)

Nondeterminism is an essential concept in mathematics and one of the important concepts in computer science. It is also among the most abstract ones. Thus, many students find it difficult to cope with. In this article, we describe some didactic considerations, which guided the development of a "Computational Models" course for high school…

This work examines the Israeli National Informatics-Computer Science (CS) Olympiad from the perspective of diversity. A conspicuous phenomena in this olympiad (as well as in other science olympiads) is that very few females participate in the national competition, and none has ever represented the country in any international competition. When…

Strong relationships were found between mathematical competencies and probable success in beginning computer science courses. It is felt the study reinforces the importance of all students attaining mathematical competence while in high school. The possibility of more accurately advising students regarding potential for success in computer science…

Further validated the Konvalina, Stephens, Wileman (KSW) Computer Science Placement Test by administering it to 152 Philippine students. A practical procedure for placing students using the results of the KSW test is also included. This procedure has been successfully applied at the University of Nebraska (Omaha) for over two years. (JN)

Sometimes, if you do not begin at the end, you end at the beginning. This problem-solving phenomenon, in the realm of computer science (CS), is the subject of this paper. Beginning at the end yields a "working backwards" approach, opposite to that of "working forwards." One might expect 3rd year CS students to be aware of and effectively utilize…

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)

This two-part article deals with the design and construction of a primitive Von Neumann computer using a logic design simulator. Describes the design of the computer memory and its register structure. Six layouts of the computer architecture are presented. Lists three references. (YP)

This column is designed to share BASIC sub-programs and to show how subroutines and function subprograms may be used to simplify and organize BASIC programing. The yes-no function is defined and programs presented, followed by the multiple-branch function and adding a HELP feature. (MNS)

Considers three questions regarding computer science courses: (1) Can performance be predicted?; (2) Does a solid mathematical background provide the student with an advantage?; and (3) Is gender a factor in performance or aptitude? Reports a strong math background was related to achievement in a beginning course while gender was not related. (MVL)

The controversy over whether or not machines can think has attracted the attention of philosophers, psychologists, neurologists, computer scientists, and writers of science fiction. Various topics and issues related to this controversy are discussed, including turing machines and the relationship between computer history and mathematical…