Learning to program involves developing an understanding of two hierarchies of concepts. One hierarchy consists of data and extends from very literal data (which represents only itself) to very abstract data incorporating variable values in complex interrelationships. The other hierarchy consists of the operations performed on the data and extends…

Several major universities are not granting academic credit to students who pass the College Board's Advanced Placement Test in Computer Science. Issues related to this trend and to the teaching of computer science in high schools and in colleges are explored. (JN)

This study identified computer objectives based on recommendations of the authoritative accounting bodies, determined whether the typical introductory computer course has these same objectives, and examined the influence of the academic department responsible for teaching the course. Relationships between department and course objectives,…

A pair of abacuses is used to illustrate addition, subtraction (by adding complements), multiplication, and division, with simplified examples given to illustrate the various features of each operation. Also indicates how this information can help students understand computer operations. (JN)

Mandates related to computer education have made their presence felt nationwide. Provided are ideas about and suggestions for computer training in schools and teacher education to help determine the content behind these mandates. These include making computers tools in all curricula and continued teacher retraining without mandates. (JN)

The Web, the Internet, the intranet and associated resources, campus computer labs, smart classrooms, course management systems, and a plethora of software packages all offer opportunities for every classroom instructor to enrich in-class and out-of-class activities. Why should an instructor consider the integration of technology into their…

Data from a survey of colleges and universities indicate most offer some academic program in electronic data processing, but only larger institutions offer computer science as a major field. (Author/RA)

Provides information on teaching the "logic" component of computer studies specified in the J.M.B. syllabi (ordinary and advanced levels). Indicates that the information may be useful for teachers contemplating or starting courses leading to A-level. Information is based on notes provided with DALECK and assume use of this kit. (JN)

Some aspects of animation that are on the Apple-microcomputer are presented. Shape tables are described and several programs that illustrate important concepts are included. The concept of animation is viewed as being very simple and the process is clearly detailed. (MP)

Discusses five instructional purposes for computers (opportunities for students to become familiar with computers, development of skills with computers, curriculum enhancement, educational reform, and cost-effectiveness), their similarities and differences, and the ways in which each purpose could be evaluated. (Author/IRT)

Introductory courses in computer science at colleges and universities have undergone significant changes in 20 years. This article provides an overview of the history of introductory computer science (FORTRAN, ANSI flowchart symbols, BASIC, data processing concepts, and PASCAL) and its future (robotics and C++). (PEN)

It is hypothesized that the fact whether female and male students were socialized in East or West Germany influences their development of spatial ability differently. In this study 357 students from a West German University (Koblenz) and an East German University (Magdeburg) majoring either in computational visualization (CV) or in non-technical…

Software quality is perhaps one of the most sought-after attributes in product development, however; this goal is unattained. Problem factors in software development and how these have affected the maintainability of the delivered software systems requires a thorough investigation. It was, therefore, very important to understand software…

Programming is recognized as being challenging for teachers to teach and difficult for students to learn. For decades, computer science educators have looked at innovative approaches by creating pedagogical software tools that attempt to facilitate both the teaching of and the learning of programming. This dissertation investigates the motivations…

Much prior research has examined the dearth of women in the IT industry. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of women in IT within the context of information security and assurance. This paper describes results from a study of a relatively new career path to see if there are female-friendly opportunities that have not existed…