Pedagogy has emphasized that physical representations and tangible interactive objects benefit learning especially for young students. There are many tangible hardware platforms for introducing computer programming to children, but there is limited comparative evaluation of them in the context of a formal classroom. In this work, we explore the…

In this design case, an instructor developed a goal-based scenario (GBS) for undergraduate computer fundamentals students to apply their knowledge of computer equipment and software. The GBS, entitled the MegaTech Project, presented the students with descriptions of the everyday activities of four persons needing to purchase a computer system. The…

The scope of this article is to understand to what extent Computer Science teachers can find support for their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in teaching material. We report the results of a study in which PCK is used as framework to develop a research instrument to examine three high school computer science textbooks, with special focus on…

Incorporating programmable logic devices (PLD) in digital design courses has become increasingly popular. The advantages of using PLDs, such as complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), have been discussed before. However, previous studies have focused on the experiences from the point of view of the…

A look at some curricular materials developed by the author, which are appropriate for secondary school students and a comprehensive design for a curricular program in computer-related career education. (Author/HB)

This annotated bibliography is an alphabetized listing of current resources on computers under the following headings: computer applications/societal issues; programing, computer science and what is a computer; teaching resources; and periodicals. Publications are coded for elementary, junior high, senior high, and reference usage. (MP)

A directory of resources related to computers lists the following: magazines/newsletters; sources of information; university educators involved in microcomputing; others involved in microcomputer education; and some sources of educational software. Also included is a list of articles on computers in education, alphabetized by author. (MP)

This report reviews four different computer systems that are available for educational use. Presented is a system overview, and the strengths and weaknesses of each of the following systems: PLATO, TERAK, Compucolor II, and PET. Each of these machines is included as a representative of a "class" of machines available to the educator.…

A few basic principles that highlight the design of screen displays are detailed. It is noted that none of the principles will help programing efforts, but efforts at improvement in the direction described is expected to result in a more professionally designed work that users appreciate. (MP)

Presents a program in Level II BASIC for a TRS-80 computer that simulates a Turing machine and discusses the nature of the device. The program is run interactively and is designed to be used as an educational tool by computer science or mathematics students studying computational or automata theory. (MP)

This first article includes background material on computers that will be of value in understanding subsequent papers in the series. It also discusses the advantages and problems of implementing computer-based educational materials at locations and on machines for which the materials were not originally designed. (BB)

This manual designed to provide the teacher with methods of understanding the computer and its potential in the classroom includes four units with exercises and an answer sheet. Unit 1 covers computer fundamentals, the mini computer, programming languages, an introduction to BASIC, and control instructions. Variable names and constants described…

An analog/hybrid simulation of a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) and an incremental analog-to-digital (A-D) converter are presented. An analog simulation of planar frames is also presented. (MLH)

Modern sophisticated computers are shown to multiply the same way the ancient Egyptians did more than 4000 years ago--by doubling and adding. (MN)

The skills of prose composition and "top-down" computer programing, such as in BASIC, are viewed as closely interrelated so that careful attention to one will almost always bring improved competence in the other. The structure of this report is compared to a typical quiz/tutorial program to illustrate the point. (MP)