This research proposes a functional competency development model for academic personnel based on international professional qualification standards in computing field and examines the appropriateness of the model. Specifically, the model consists of three key components which are: 1) functional competency development model, 2) blended training…

Software process modeling (SPM) is an important area of software engineering because it provides a basis for managing, automating, and supporting software process improvement (SPI). Teaching SPM is a challenging task, mainly because it lays great emphasis on theory and offers few practical exercises. Furthermore, as yet few teaching approaches…

This study looked at the effects that individual differences in prior knowledge have on student understanding in learning with multimedia in a computer science subject. Students were identified as having either low or high prior knowledge from a series of questions asked in a survey conducted at the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at…

This paper describes a framework for measuring student learning gains and engagement in a Computer Science 1 (CS 1) / Information Systems 1 (IS 1) course. The framework is designed for a CS1/IS1 course as it has been traditionally taught over the years as well as when it is taught using a new pedagogical approach with Web services. It enables the…

Describes a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) program used to teach DOS commands. Pretest and posttest results for 65 graduate students using the program are reported, and it is concluded that the CAI program significantly aided the students. Sample screen displays for the program and several questions from the pre/posttest are included. (nine…

Examines the results of a survey of undergraduates to determine whether their perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about information technology changed as a result of completing an introductory course in computer concepts and literacy. Results of pre- and post-tests as well as the computer attitude survey are appended. (Author/LRW)

Three groups of students were exposed to the same computer-administered programed instruction in numerical differentiation. Different degrees of access to the output from the typewriter terminal were given to each group. Analysis of covariance showed no significant difference on posttest scores between students who were allowed to keep the output…

Presents the PETAL (Programming Environment Tool) learning environment, and discusses a study where one group of students used PETAL and another used a standard LISP environment to learn recursion. The PETAL group performed better during the learning period and on a written posttest. Theorizes why PETAL may be responsible for improved learning of…

This study investigated changes in student attitudes toward computing in three different university introductory computing courses. Describes the attitude survey used and discusses the results of interviews and focus groups that were held to better understand why attitudes changed in one course but not the others. (Author/LRW)

Undergraduates in a computer literacy class were pretested on analogical reasoning skills. One section then received LOGO programing instruction, and the other section received nonprograming instruction on computer uses in education. Posttest results indicated that analogical reasoning skills development is a consequence of LOGO programing and…

This paper presents the results of a study on the effects of using 3 simulators with 14 computer science majors enrolled in an undergraduate computer architecture course. Three ability groups (high, medium, and low) were formed based on the students' quality point averages for prior computer science courses. Analyses of data from a pretest, a…

Pretests measuring critical thinking ability and mental alertness were administered to 72 first-year college students at the beginning of an introductory computer programing course. Posttests administered at the end of the semester showed significant improvement in both areas, indicating that instruction in programing improves students' critical…

This study examined the roles which note-taking method (either pencil and paper or an online computer notepad) and style (verbatim, paraphrasing, etc.) play in retention and depth of processing during computer-delivered instruction. Participants were 112 junior and senior undergraduates from a southern Minnesota university whose major was computer…

The ability of the theory of reasoned action to predict computer-related attitudes and behavior was demonstrated through two studies: a questionnaire on computer behaviors and attitudes; and word processing training involving various levels of persuasive communication based on belief statements identified in the first study. (22 references) (MES)

Describes a study at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia) that measured self-efficacy for computer use of teacher education students at the beginning of their course and again following a semester in which some students had completed computer courses. The amount of time spent using computers contributed most to the variance in…