This case study reports on the design and implementation of an experimental summer program aimed at introducing undergraduates to research in computer science. A research component added to a regular course on human-computer interaction based on the summer program is described, and recommendations for providing undergraduate research experience…

A teaching method for introductory computer science based on visualization and using extensive amounts of software is explained. Visualization is used to integrate other student activities, including reading algorithm and data structure descriptions, studying code for model programs and toolkits, designing software components, and building or…

SIGMA (Simulation Graphical Modeling and Analysis) is a computer graphics environment for building, testing, and experimenting with discrete event simulation models on personal computers. It uses symbolic representations (computer animation) to depict the logic of large, complex discrete event systems for easier understanding and has proven itself…

Reports results of a study that investigated whether the objectives of teaching computer science as an independent subject are met when computer science is integrated with school subjects. Components of a formal (independent) curriculum, identified through interviews with computer science experts, are compared with the operational (integrated)…

A survey of over 700 Ontario secondary schools was conducted in 1987 and again in 1989 to determine the current status of computer programing pedagogy. Presents an overview of the computer education curriculum for grades 10-12 and results related to hardware utilization, choice of programing languages, availability of teacher and student…

Assesses the results of introducing individualized learning contracts (ILCs), journal writing, and journal sharing into a computer literacy course at Prince George's Community College, focusing on the effects on student satisfaction and student success rates. (DMM)

Describes shortcomings of computer science/engineering education and explains a new focus on informatics. Highlights include simulation, visualization, algorithmization, design of information processing models, parallel computing, a history of informatics, informatics versus physics and mathematics, and implications for education. (51 references)…

Discussion of the socially situated and constrained nature of educational computing focuses on situated critical pedagogy and computer education. Four areas are highlighted in an examination of teaching/learning situations: (1) praxis, i.e., a relationship between action and reflection; (2) situated critical pedagogy; (3) interpretive processes;…

Presents background material leading to the development of guidelines for computer science education teacher preparation programs. An overview of the two basic programs is presented, implications for professional education units and the education community are explored, and future directions are identified. (GLR)

Focuses on identifying the educational effects of "activity oriented" instructional techniques. Examines which instructional methods produce enhanced learning and comprehension. Discusses the problem of learning "sorting algorithms," a major topic in every Computer Science curriculum. Presents a low-tech, hands-on teaching method for sorting…

A 32-item self-efficacy scale for computer programming was developed, primed to the C++ programming language. The scale was administered to 421 students at the beginning and end of an introductory course in C++ programming. There was growth in self-efficacy between two administrations of the scale 12 weeks apart, particularly for students who…

Analyzed women's enrollment levels in mathematics, engineering, and computer science in Canadian universities and the change in these levels between 1972 and 1995. Found vastly different patterns of enrollment in the three disciplines (for example, computer science enrollment did not increase at all during the studied period), suggesting that…

Examines changes in experience and confidence among university students in Iceland taking their first Internet course between 1994 and 2000. Discusses results of time series that show that the number of participants with prior experience has increased and makes recommendations for course content, including advanced skills in Internet use.…

Traces the economic growth of embedded software in industrial products and explains that there is a shortage of engineers in this field. Proposes a different view of engineering education. (DDR)

Students in a computer applications (CA) course (n=74) and business information systems (BIS) course (n=69) displayed no differences in motivation. The BIS group used rehearsal and organization learning strategies, the CA group help-seeking and effort regulation. In CA, intrinsic goal orientation and self-efficacy were related to grades. In BIS,…