Describes a study designed to address the difficulties computer science undergraduates have in learning formal reasoning methods. Computer-based tools providing a mixture of graphical and textual on-screen help were evaluated, and results indicate the tools had a positive effect on the learning process. (Author/LRW)

Includes four articles that address issues related to digital libraries. Highlights include a framework for evaluating digital library services, particularly academic research libraries; interdisciplinary approaches to education about digital libraries that includes library and information science and computing; digital rights management; and the…

In a three-year study, female students from all-female computer science (CS) classes were compared to male and female students from mixed-gender CS classes. Participants were 250 students enrolled in an elective Grade 11 CS course. The study provides some initial empirical evidence supporting the positive effects of all-female classes in CS at the…

Outlines a course in artificial intelligence for liberal arts students that has no programing prerequisites. Topics and projects included in the course are described, including problem solving; natural language; expert systems; image understanding, or character recognition; and robotic systems. (28 references) (Author/LRW)

Discussion of right brain versus left brain skills focuses on a study that compared the performances of computer science students, professional programers, and bank employees on eight tests of brain function. Results are reported which suggest that the cognitive profile may be an important indicator for success in certain occupations. (16…

The ways in which women tend to be disadvantaged in computing courses are examined. The apparent technology-centeredness of computing, the emphasis accorded mathematics as well as narrow problem solving skills and the undervaluing of broadly based problem solving and communication skills are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Discusses problems associated with teaching non-recursive binary searching in computer language classes, and describes a teacher-directed dialog based on dictionary use that helps students use their previous searching experiences to conceptualize the binary search process. Algorithmic development is discussed and appropriate classroom discussion…

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…

Presents a model that suggests the cognitive style and personality traits that are likely to affect programming stages and empirically investigates 1 portion of that model with 192 college students. Correlations between results from the Group Embedded Figures Test and design and coding tasks are discussed. (LRW)

Evaluates the effectiveness of multimedia instruction by comparing student performance in two computer science classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. One class was taught using multimedia instruction and the other was taught using traditional instruction. Results suggest that multimedia courseware enhances computer science instruction and…

Presents research conducted with a group of non-computer science majors to determine the effects of prior computing experience on success in college computer science courses. Specific relationships between prior experience factors and gender were studied, and the results indicate that pre-college computing can have an important role in achieving…

Presents cooperative computing activities in which each student plays the role of a switch or processor and acts out algorithms. Includes binary counting, finding the smallest card in a deck, sorting by selection and merging, adding and multiplying large numbers, and sieving for primes. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Reports research on cooperative learning strategies used in a college computer skills lab course and compares learning performance and retention of students taught via cooperative teams or traditional individual learning. Results show that both performance and retention were significantly improved with the use of cooperative learning. (Author/JMV)

A learning style inventory was administered to 68 undergraduates enrolled in a course on computer applications in education. Correlation of these data with grades on class projects and exams indicated that students with high abstract sequential ability had higher performance scores, and learners with a dominance in abstract random style had lower…

A sample of 114 traditional and 35 nontraditional undergraduates provided demographic information and indicated perceptions of course prerequisites, lecture/instruction, and laboratory assistance. Nontraditional students needed more academic assistance in microcomputer classes and labs; they were uneasy about competing with recent high school…