In this paper we present our experiences of teaching an annually organized virtual reality (VR) capstone course. We review three iterations of the course, during which a total of 45 students completed the course and 16 VR applications were implemented. Our comparative analysis describes the students' evaluation of the course, the applications…

An internal assessment was conducted utilizing a sociotechnical systems approach and cultural lens as a means of exploring the dynamics of a blended doctoral program. Blended learning environments were conceived of as sociotechnical systems, and blended programs were defined as programs that utilize multimodal means for the mediation of…

This article reports on an m-learning research agenda instituted at our university in order to explore how mobile technology can enhance active, experiential learning. Details of the implementation and results of four areas of m-learning are presented: mobile supported fieldwork, fostering interactivity in large lectures with mobile technology,…

This paper discusses in general terms when computer based instructional simulation (CBIS) is appropriate and suggests how to construct a good instructional simulation. The role that documentation plays is particularly stressed, as is determining that CBIS is the proper instructional method. (Author/IRT)

A short, intensive orientation program offered to a small group of students before the start of their first computer science course taught a simple programing language and provided pre-programing skills. The orientation was found to be beneficial, particularly for women, for both content and social orientation. (MSE)

A description is provided of a computer system designed to aid in the analysis of student programing work. The first section of the report consists of an overview and user's guide. In it, the system input is described in terms of a "dribble file" which records all student inputs generated; also an introduction is given to the aids…

The PipeLINK program seeks to attract and retain women and girls in computer science careers. Aimed at girls and women from the high school through the Ph.D. levels, the program suggests activities to aid participants at each level, connect students with role models and mentors, and provides an introduction to a wide variety of computer science…

Attitudinal measures of training and control group engineering students showed positive and significant gains for the treatment group both in attitude toward the effectiveness of on-line searches and for the number of citations yielded. Cost-effectiveness was greater for on-line searches than for manual searches. (Author/IRT)

A study of the contribution of institutional characteristics to the National Academy of Sciences' reputational ratings of faculty found that program characteristics do influence ratings, but an "institutional halo" effect also exists, indicating that faculty reputations and program quality are more complex phenomena than implied by…

Evaluated an intervention program for women in the first year of a computing degree at La Trobe University (Australia). Found a sustained increase in female retention after the program was introduced. Identified the best predictors of success in the first programming course to be age and having studied mathematics in the final years of secondary…

Discusses what industry is looking for in college-level, computer-oriented programs, curricula, instruction, and graduates. Comments from various industry and college personnel are provided. A listing of the 15 top-ranked graduate and undergraduate computer science programs (including criteria used in the rankings) is also provided. (JN)

Little work has been done regarding the overall assessment of quality of computer science graduates at the undergraduate level. This paper reports on a pilot study at the University of Alabama of a prototype computer science outcomes assessment designed to evaluate the breadth of knowledge of computer science seniors. The instrument evaluated two…

Educators at all levels are questioning and probing "what is" versus "what should be" to determine how best to respond to widespread diffusion/adoption of microcomputer technology. A description is given of low-cost statewide workshops to prepare teachers to confront this situation and of the excellent results achieved. (JN)

The quality of doctoral-level chemistry (N=145), computer science (N=58), geoscience (N=91), mathematics (N=115), physics (N=123), and statistics/biostatistics (N=64) programs at United States universities was assessed, using 16 measures. These measures focused on variables related to: program size; characteristics of graduates; reputational…

The use of a strategic planning model to integrate a computer literacy component into an established general education program is illustrated. Key issues are identified at each planning model stage, which consists of: identifying appropriate goals, writing objectives, developing an action plan, identifying options/alternatives, identifying…