This thesis addresses problems from two areas of theoretical computer science. The first area is that of computational learning theory, which is the study of the phenomenon of concept learning using formal mathematical models. The goal of computational learning theory is to investigate learning in a rigorous manner through the use of techniques…

There is a growing recognition in Argentina for the need of more technological and professional management, administration, operation and planning. Of the 215 computers installed in the country (and growing in number at the rate of 25%, a year) only a few (15%) have university graduates on the staff of analysts who organize their work. Most of the…

This colorfully illustrated book is designed to introduce elementary school students to the world of computers. Computers, their component parts and their capabilities are personified using full page sketches and color drawings. The differences between analog and digital computers are given as is a short history of computer use and development.…

Some facts about the nature of computer studies are presented, and it is noted that males make up the majority of students. The nature of current assessment practices is detailed, and suggestions are made about future testing approaches. Mastery testing is promoted as the direction to take in the future. (MP)

Short descriptions are provided of several sessions of the Computer Education Group (CEG) Biennial Conference held at Nottingham University in April 1982. Sessions noted include the introduction, a presentation on teacher training, the development of examinations, and a question-and-answer session. (MP)

Most computer terms are viewed as understandable if approached with common sense. Five sources for the terms are noted. The glossary is not viewed as comprehensive, and suggestions of more complete dictionaries are made. "Computerese" and "cybercrud" are two terms noted to describe the jargon associated with computer technology use. (MP)

Two kinds of secret writing, codes and ciphers, are discussed. The weakness of a ciphering system mentioned in the March 1981 issue is pointed out, and an alternate method is presented. Programs written in BASIC are presented which can be used to encipher messages and help break ciphers. (MP)

A process-oriented approach that can be highly successful in introducing students to computer systems concepts and terminology in an integrated manner is presented. (MP)

In introductory computer science courses, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) is commonly used to teach basic object-oriented design. However, there appears to be a lack of suitable software to support this task. Many of the available programs that support UML focus on developing code and not on enhancing learning. Programs designed for…

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was used as a foundation to redesign a computer programming class for mechanical engineers, in which content was delivered with hybrid/distance technology. The effort confirmed the utility of CLT in course design. And it demonstrates that hybrid/distance learning is not merely a tool of convenience, but one, which, when…

How do you dynamically customize the programming language available in a context within an existing system, without changing the underlying system? This dissertation introduces a language design approach that addresses this problem. The basic idea is to structure programs as systems of multiple interacting levels of abstraction, where all of the…

A number of educational researchers have developed pedagogical approaches that involve the teacher in discovering and helping to correct misconceptions that students bring to their study of their subject matter. During the last decade, several computer systems have been developed to support teaching and learning using this kind of approach. A…

Low retention rates in third-level computing courses, despite continuing research into new and improved computer teaching methods, present a worrying concern. For some computing students learning programming is intimidating, giving rise to lack of confidence and anxiety. The noncognitive domain of anxiety with regard to learning computer…

At schools special learning and programming environments are often used in the field of algorithms. Particularly with regard to computer science lessons in secondary education, they are supposed to help novices to learn the basics of programming. In several parts of Germany (e.g., Bavaria) these fundamentals are taught as early as in the seventh…

This paper describes a one-credit laboratory course for freshmen majoring in electrical and computer engineering (ECE). The course is motivational in nature and exposes the students to a wide range of areas of electrical and computer engineering. The authors believe it is important to give freshmen a broad perspective of what ECE is all about, and…