We describe a method for analyzing student data from online programming exercises. Our approach uses contingency tables that combine whether or not a student answered an online exercise correctly with the number of attempts that the student made on that exercise. We use this method to explore the relationship between student performance on online…

Sprego is programming with spreadsheet functions. The present paper provides introductory Sprego examples which have so far only been available in Hungarian. Spreadsheet environments offer both a programming tool which best serves beginner and end-user programmers' interest, and an approach which lightens the burden of coding and language details.…

Presents an analysis of the learning outcomes pertaining to one unit of the undergraduate television distance-education course, Information Technology, in the computer science program at University Laval (Quebec, Canada). Investigates the relative effects of television distance education versus tradition classroom teaching on learning…

This bibliometric study of the computer science literature in Nigeria examines such factors as growth and size of the literature, formats, journal characteristics, organizers of conference proceedings, and geographical spread of contributing cities. Problems are identified and recommendations for improvement are offered. (CLB)

There are two main ways in which the practical component of computer science and information systems courses, the computer laboratory class, may be organized. They may be closed laboratories, which are scheduled and staffed in the same way as other classes, or open laboratories where the students come and go as they please. In U.S. universities,…

A test of the effectiveness of the direct instruction model as an instructional method was conducted in Sydney (Australia) by administering pre- and post-tests to fifth and sixth year students taught computer literacy and computer programming skills in specially designed 5-week courses. Nine schools, some independent and some…

Describes a study of first-year students at a university in Scotland that was conducted to determine their use of computers at home and in school, their knowledge about information technology, and reasons for not studying computing. Results are compared with two earlier studies to examine gender-related differences over time. (Contains 12…

Designed to provide information for decision making when the current 5-year contract with the supplier of computing services to the Manitoba High School Computer Network expires in 1982, this study included both an assessment of the existing situation and the identification of alternative options for the provision of computer services to the…

Describes the methodology and results of a study that examined information flow at the technological research front by analyzing a Japanese national project in computer technology. Various formats of information dissemination are identified, and a classification of researchers and engineers by information transfer activities is presented. (4…

Describes a study of Norwegian college students that investigated whether gender, group composition, or self-efficacy in computing has any impact on cooperation, giving or getting task-related help, and level of activity in student groups. Results confirms gender differences in self-efficacy in computing. (Author/LRW)

Considers barriers which inhibit the development of information technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. Highlights include research in science and technology; the publishing industry; information transfer; indigenous database development; and options for developing countries, including national information policies, computer education, and…

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's strategic plan for 2001 stipulated that a credit-based system should be adopted for all of its programs. The Department of Computing provides service teaching in computing to all departments at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, necessitating the standardization of computing instruction. One of the issues that…

Reviews a study of 117 students at the University of Saskatchewan which examined the relationship between high school computer experience and university achievement in introductory computer science. The pretests used are described, findings are analyzed, and student withdrawal patterns are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Describes experiences with computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a postgraduate information systems course at Central Queensland University (Australia). Highlights include a description of a case study discussion via electronic mail; use by off-campus students; examples of CMC interactions; responses to a student survey, including student…

This paper describes "The Internet: Communicating, Accessing & Providing Information," a University of Alberta (Canada) credit course which is delivered over the Internet. The purpose of this course is to help students understand what the Internet is and to learn to use Internet tools. The paper: (1) discusses the primary development…