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…

In a seminal article published in 2006, Jeanette Wing described computational thinking (CT) as a way of "solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science." Wing's article gave rise to an often controversial discussion and debate among computer scientists,…

In K-12 classrooms, as well as on the college and university level, the incorporation of digital games has played a vital role in the educational system. While introducing teachers to new fields, these digital games have been designed and implemented for the classroom and have shown positive results at a variety of educational levels. Cases on…

Offers and discusses three suggestions to capitalize on two developments related to system dynamics modeling and simulation. These developments are a junior/senior high textbook called "Introduction to Computer Simulation" and Micro-DYNAMO, a computer simulation language for microcomputers. (Author/JN)

Explores the potential of specialized computer simulation languages to facilitate the development of more sophisticated and valid models for use in the analysis of administrative planning and decision-making problems. (Author)

This data system was formulated to analyze school finance issues in New Jersey. It is intended for simulation and analysis of the effects of school finance reform. The system has three components. The first is the data base containing such information as district enrollment, property valuation, or financial information. The second is the aid…

This overview acquaints prospective users with the School Finance Equalization Management System (SFEMS), a computer-based system designed to answer questions about state aid distribution. SFEMS can determine such things as the current pattern of aid distribution, the current pattern of tax effort, or the effect of alternative expenditure and…

"Big Business" is a series of computer simulations designed to give players a chance to compete in the practical world of business and finance. The basic elements of the simulations and versions designed for home use, middle school students, and high school students are described. (Author/JN)

"Lemonade" is one in a series of simulations designed to permit exploration of elementary concepts in economics. The nature of the simulation, problem-solving skills fostered, and suggestions for use of the program in the classroom are discussed. (Author/JN)

Discusses steps involved in model building and simulation: understanding a problem, building a model, and simulation. Includes a mathematical model (focusing on a problem dealing with influenza) written in the DYNAMO computer language, developed specifically for writing simulation models. (Author/JN)

Management information systems fail because they are based on the assumption that more facts are needed and they overtax computer systems. The alternative proposed here is much smaller (in data banks and dollars) than conventional systems and is designed to aid decision making rather than to build banks of facts. (Author/IRT)

This supplement updates the first supplement to the original catalog of available PLATO systems instructional materials. The original catalog was published in April 1980 and the first supplement in November 1981. The lessons described in the current publication have been used in actual instructional situations or have had adequate testing to…

Development of Northern Great Plains coal resources will create new demands for state and local government services. Development will also produce increased government revenues. Special taxes on coal production have been enacted in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming in order to ensure that state and local governments receive sufficient revenues to…

This supplement updates the original catalog of available PLATO system instructional materials which was published in April 1980. The lessons described have been used in actual instructional situations, or have had adequate testing to guarantee that the files are in working order. Printed directly from the CERL online catalog, "unicat,"…

This comprehensive catalog of available instructional materials for use with the PLATO system lists completed lessons which have been used in actual instructional situations or have had adequate testing to ensure that the files are in working order. Printed directly from the CERL online catalog, "uicat," the information provided for each…