Describes an instructional methodology developed and implemented at Sunderland Polytechnic that uses formal computer program design methods to teach computer programing in computer science and data processing courses. Jackson Structured Programming is explained, and the results of an evaluation by both teaching staff and students are presented.…

A long-term instructional experiment involving 45 third graders learning LOGO demonstrated that LOGO fulfills some of its early promise when used in carefully crafted educational contexts. There was little evidence of boosting general problem-solving skills as a result of learning programing, but learning geometry appeared enhanced. (SLD)

Interviews 2,645 eighth-grade West German male and female students to determine: (1) the computer experience gained by students in their leisure time; (2) the knowledge they would like to acquire at school; and (3) the influence of vocational orientation on students' readiness to learn about computers. Describes pre-conditions and develops…

Points out that mainframe computer users today can make their requirements known to the computer in simple English. Provides a listing of fourth generation computer language advantages over third generation languages. Summarizes a program to streamline faculty records on a mainframe computer. (MVL)

Describes British investigation conducted to discover patterns in the background and attitudes of teachers who are computer users and to derive strategies that may be used to encourage wider use of computers in secondary education. Highlights include software evaluation, in-service training, and the role of computer studies. (35 references)…

Presents an outline for a computer science instructional program for inservice or prospective teachers, based on a high school computer science curriculum. Describes three courses that include an introduction to the basics of computing, an overview of the computer science field, and selected topics in computer science teaching. (AEF)

Based on experiences with use of microcomputers in a business computer programing curriculum at a community college, this article suggests guidelines for designing a computer laboratory that will meet the needs of disabled students. Specific hardware and software aids are recommended, and the importance of faculty attitude is discussed. (three…

Presented is a way to provide students with a review and an appreciation of the versatility of pointers in data structures by improvising with binary trees. Examples are described using the Pascal programing language. (KR)

Discusses results of a study based on a sample of secondary school teachers in Germany that was conducted to analyze the relationships between prior knowledge of content- and context-area topics and teaching practices in the computer education curriculum. The use of path analysis is described, and gender differences are examined. (Contains 11…

Discusses results of a survey of undergraduate students that investigated their current knowledge of computers and the level of knowledge they would like to have. Attitudes of students who had prior computer courses or who owned a computer were found to be more positive than those of students who did not. (27 references) (LRW)

A model of relationships among the cognitive components of working memory, representation, metacognition, and performance implicated in the acquisition and transfer of the LOGO computer language was developed and tested with 48 second graders. The respective contributions of each component vary with the transfer task. (SLD)

The effects of the LOGO computer programing environment on creativity were studied for 73 8-year-old third graders (33 males and 40 females) who were tested before and after LOGO instruction. Overall, the LOGO group significantly outperformed a comparison group receiving non-LOGO creativity training and a nontreatment control group. (SLD)

Discussion of computer programing at the secondary level focuses on automation and schema acquisition as two processes important in learning cognitive skills such as programing. Their effects on learning outcomes and transfer of training are examined, the importance of worked examples is highlighted, and instructional design principles are…

Discussion of assessment of student performance focuses on peer assessment and the development of a hypermedia-based peer assessment tool, the MUCH system, at the University of Liverpool (England). A study conducted with undergraduate computer science students that used the MUCH system is described, and student attitudes are discussed. (Contains…

Explores how notions of community and collaboration can be applied in program to enhance appreciation/use of and interest in science, mathematics, and computers among women and people of color. Describes Minority Studies Program at St. Cloud State University which has hosted summer program to provide minority and women students with intensive,…