Discusses informal education as a form for learning about computers and describes relevant computer competencies on four levels based on empirical project work. Computer learning offered by formal, organized programs and by informal methods via the media are reviewed. Contains 56 references. (Author/LRW)

University of Ulster students undertake mandatory 1-year paid work placements. A survey of those in informatics and math/science/computing indicated they developed skills and a realistic concept of work. A web portal is being developed to provide placement resources for students and faculty. (Contains 17 references.) (SK)

Discusses how the design and implementation of problem-solving tools used in programming instruction are complementary with both the theories of problem-based learning (PBL), including constructivism, and the practices of distributed education environments. Examines how combining PBL, Web-based distributed education, and a problem-solving…

Finds that computer and mathematics avoidance among women is the result of attitudes, expectations, and discrimination. Present-day creative computing relies upon skills not limited to those with a math and science orientation, and should prove a rewarding occupation to women. (DM)

Discussion of relationships between computer anxiety and achievement focuses on a study of students enrolled in a required computer course in an urban university. Topics discussed include the Computer Anxiety Scale; Computer Aptitude, Literacy and Interest Profile; Math Anxiety Rating Scale; and the correlation between high anxiety and low…

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in learning outcomes of students taught computer applications through supervised laboratory instruction versus video simulation. No differences were observed for time required to complete an application, proper use of commands, or retention of the learned application. (Author)

Describes three projects at Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) that developed novice programming environments based on structure editors: GNOME, MacGNOME and ACSE (Advanced Computing for Science Education). Tracks the evolution of the programming environments and courses, documenting important lessons and discoveries about novice…

Usable responses from 228 of 651 business schools surveyed (almost half accredited by American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business) showed that most have hardware and software available for students, but in many areas computer technology is not integrated into the management curriculum. Nonaccredited schools had slightly higher use of…

Discusses issues concerning women in computer science education, and in the workplace, and sex bias in the computer science curriculum. Concludes that computing environment has not improved for women over last 20 years. Warns that, although number of white males entering college is declining, need for scientists and engineers is not. (NB)

Based on a computer-science course, this article outlines an alternative ordering of programming concepts that aims to develop a reuse habit before other styles of programming are developed. Although the discussion is based on transition from Modula-2 to C++, the issues raised apply to transition from any procedural to any object-oriented…

Discusses the issue of education versus training in computer science based on the author's personal experiences. Highlights include early uses of computers, learning programming languages, initial computer-assisted instruction, the use of courseware, Web-based instruction that will need both education and more practical training, and realizing the…

Explores how the for-profit, computer training chain Computer Learning Centers continued to operate, enrolling thousands of students and qualifying for millions of dollars in federal student aid, despite three years of legal and regulatory turmoil. (EV)

Although computer scientists understand the importance of discrete mathematics to the foundations of their field, computer science (CS) students do not always see the relevance. Thus, it is important to find a way to show students its relevance. The concept of program correctness is generally taught as an activity independent of the programming…

This paper explores the impact of developments in the Irish economy and labour market on computing course development in the higher education (HE) sector. Extant computing courses change, or new courses are introduced, in attempts to match labour market demands. The conclusion reached here, however, is that Irish HE is producing insufficient…

Computer science education research has mostly focused on cognitive approaches to learning. Cognitive approaches to understanding learning do not account for all the phenomena observed in teaching and learning. A number of apparently successful educational approaches, such as peer assessment, apprentice-based learning and action learning, have…