In today's world, the ability to think computationally is essential. The skillset expected of a computer scientist is no longer solely based on the old stereotype but also a crucial skill for adapting to the future. This perspective presents a new educational challenge for society. Everyone must have a positive attitude toward understanding and…

America's need for top talent in information technology and computer science is a longstanding problem. However, as the pace of technological change accelerates, the demand for skilled information technology and computer science workers is reaching critical levels while the supply of skilled workers remains well below the needs of the nation's…

The lack of diversity in the technology workforce in the United States has proven to be a stubborn problem, resisting even the most well-funded reform efforts. With the absence of computer science education in the mainstream K-12 curriculum, only a narrow band of students in public schools go on to careers in technology. The problem persists…

Computer Science (CS) is a relatively new disciple and how best to introduce it to new students remains an open question. Likewise, the identification of appropriate instructional strategies for the diverse topics that constitute the average curriculum remains open to debate. One approach considered by a number of practitioners in CS education…

For many years computing in New Zealand schools was focused on teaching students how to use computers, and there was little opportunity for students to learn about programming and computer science as formal subjects. In this article we review a series of initiatives that occurred from 2007 to 2009 that led to programming and computer science being…

Teaching computer programming to novices is a difficult task due to the complex nature of the subject, as negative stereotypes are associated with programming and because introductory programming courses often fail to encourage student understanding. This Protocol outlines the plan that is to be followed in order to investigate the effectiveness…

The main objective of our study is to determine the challenges faced during the process of teaching Computer Science in a university of a country in transition and make suggestions to improve this teaching process by perfecting the necessary conditions. Our survey builds on the thesis that we live in an information age; information technology is…

A survey of certification offices was conducted to determine what state departments are doing about computer coursework and certification and/or endorsement requirements for teachers and administrators. Results obtained from all 50 states and four United States territories are provided. (JN)

Traces the evolution and development of computer use and reviews the circumstances that influenced the selection of computing resources at liberal arts colleges. Characterizes the time eras of the computer age and projects factors that could influence computer policy and equipment choice. (ML)

Public libraries have vital role to play in introducing computer technology through provision of equipment, programs, and elementary instruction to users of all ages. Creative and resourceful approaches to budgeting and establishing policies and procedures will be required. Canadian public libraries (Oakville, Etobicoke, Aurora, Toronto) provide…

Although nearly every college offers a major in computer science, many computer science teachers at the secondary level have received little formal training. This paper presents details of a project that could make a significant contribution to national efforts to improve computer science education by combining teacher education and professional…

This paper reports on a study involving the administration of two examinations that were designed to evaluate student knowledge in several areas of computing. The tests were given both to computer science majors and to those enrolled in computer science classes from other majors. They sought to discover whether computer science majors demonstrated…

Discusses teacher certification courses in computer education focusing on syllabus development and structure, involvement of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and course aims (including knowledge of computer uses in education). Also discusses pilot projects involving the new certification scheme. Additional information can be found in February 1981…

Computers are both understandable and controllable. Educators need some understanding of a computer's cognitive profile, component parts, and systematic nature in order to set it to work on some of the teaching tasks that need to be done. Much computer-related vocabulary is discussed. (MP)

Presents research conducted with a group of non-computer science majors to determine the effects of prior computing experience on success in college computer science courses. Specific relationships between prior experience factors and gender were studied, and the results indicate that pre-college computing can have an important role in achieving…