bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The problem of producing teachers with computing expertise within the school system
Authors: Brooking Annie G.
Published: July 2004

As a result of recent decisions made by the British government to place a micro in every school in the U.K. by the end of 1983, a crisis has arisen due to the shortage of teachers capable of teaching various aspects of computing in a schoolroom environment.As a step towards the re-education of teachers, a full time one year course has been designed and run as a Department of Education and Science pilot scheme. Its aims are to retrain teachers from any subject are a such that they can teach computing in schools to 'A' level standard and act as a computer 'specialist' within that school.This paper describes the course and examines the attitudes of teachers towards areas in computing such as programming and problem solving, computer architecture and information systems. It discusses the difficulty of disseminating information on the role of computers in society to school children, and attempts to assess the course as a fast means of producing expertise within the school system.
Birds-of-a-feather small college session computer science conference, Orlando, Florida, February 17, 1983
Authors: Lang Joseph E. , Jehn Betty L.
Published: July 2004

This year's Birds-of-a-Feather small college session was held in the Duval Room of the Sheraton Twin Towers Hotel. The meeting was chaired by Lawrence A. Jehn, University of Dayton. He opened the meeting by distributing the 14 January 1983 draft of the accreditation document "Computer Science Program Requirements." [1] That document generated considerable discussion at the session and it is described in the Appendix of this report. While it was being distributed, he collected information on the computer science programs represented by the approximately 40 attendees at the session. This was the first national ACM meeting for 18 of them, 10 had attended CSC 82 in Indianapolis, and 27 planned to attend CSC 84 in Philadelphia next year.
Teaching simulators or ideal teaching machines
Authors: Sterling T. D. , Pollack S. V.
Published: July 2004

The process of presenting and reinforcing fundamental concepts and ideas for computer science at the introductory level is impeded by the ever increasing distance between the machine and the student. One very effective way to circumvent the intervening software is to start students on an
Ideal Teaching Machine
or simulated computers that possess a limited but effective instruction set. A number of ITMs have been designed aimed at various levels of instruction. This paper surveys the major ITMs in use.
A course in documentation and technical communication
Authors: Rice Patricia Brisotti , Dorchak Susan Fife
Published: July 2004

The Computer Science program at the C. W. Post Campus of Long Island University, which has approximately four-hundred undergraduate majors, is predominately software oriented. A course in communication is required and taken at the sophomore level. The concepts covered include information gathering, user-friendly programming, system and program documentation, written and verbal presentations. This course also prepares the students for the Management Engineering Master's degree offered at C. W. Post.
A survey of compiler courses
Authors: Shrikhande Neelima
Published: July 2004

This paper reports the results of a survey done by the author in Winter 1984. Several schools were surveyed regarding their compiler courses. Results about textbooks, source languages, programming languages, prerequisites among other things are described. A summary of results is given. A brief description of our plans for this course is included.
Requirements of a real-time microcomputer embedded laboratory project
Authors: Wu B. F.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes the requirements of a real-time microcomputer embedded project designed and implemented by the students in the Motorola Corporate Software Engineering Training Program. The objective of this project is to offer the students opportunities to practice the concepts and theory learned in the classroom by developing software for a real-time microcomputer based project.The hardware for this project, which is based on a dual-CPU architecture using Motorola 16-bit and 8-bit microprocessors, is constructed by each student. The application software including features such as time keeping and decimal calculator functions driven by a real-time multi-tasking executive are developed by following the software engineering methodology. The final debugged program is then burned into EPROM, resulting in an integrated hardware/software package which is totally self-contained.
A motivational approach to basic computer science
Authors: Beus H. Lynn
Published: July 2004

This paper is a report and discussion of a basic course in computer science offered at Brigham Young University for the last several years. A motivational approach is taken in the course -- beginning at a very low level and developing the basic problems that arose historically. Students are requested to solve several of these problems as programming assignments including an assembler and a simple operating system nucleus. Simulated machines are used, and the students are introduced to several machines, as a means of broadening their knowledge of machine organization.
Students and faculty training in systems analysis
Authors: Roth R. Waldo
Published: July 2004

The paper describes a variety of techniques being utilized or under development to improve the education of liberal arts students and faculty in systems design and analysis including computer systems. An extensive program of faculty development plus practicum and work experiences for students are given special attention.
An introductory computer survey course
Authors: Cheney Robert S.
Published: July 2004

This course is designed for students who do not intend to become programmers, but who recognize the important role of the computer and wish to learn how computers are affecting society and how they might use these machines in their careers. The course covers how computers operate, what must be done to develop a computer application, characteristics of successful applications, and the social implications of computer technology.The objectives are (1) to provide understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of computers, (2) enable students to recognize potential computer applications, (3) enable students to communicate effectively with computer programmars and systems analysts, and (4) make students aware of the social implications of computer systems.Most students who enroll in this course are majoring in a social science, fine arts, business, education, or a non-technical liberal arts department. Because this may well be the only technically oriented course taken during their college careers, we point out how what we are learning about computers is pertinent to all areas of rapidly evolving technology.
An introductory course in data structures with applications
Authors: Tremblay J. P. , Sorenson P. G.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a two semester introductory course in data (information) structures for the undergraduate computer science student that has evolved at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. The philosophy and organization of such a course are discussed. A comparison is made between the course described and data structure courses proposed by two commitees 'on curricula.
Computer manpower in the United States - supply and demand
Authors: Hamblen John W.
Published: July 2004

At a time when new departments of computer science, data processing, information science, information systems, etc. are being created and existing departments are trying to grow and compete with more established disciplines for scarce resources, it seems imperative that we attempt to keep abreast of the needs of industry and government for the graduates of these programs. This need must be monitored and matched against the production of graduates at all appropriate levels. The author has assembled extensive data on the latter over the past eight years while at the Southern Regional Education Board in Atlanta, GA (USA) during the period 1965--72 and currently at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The data was collected and published with support from the National Science Foundation. In this paper the author also develops estimates of computer manpower need and compares these estimates of need with estimates on production. These comparisons are presented on a State-by-State basis as well as National.
A possibility to make project progress visible
Authors: Lempp P.
Published: July 2004

Many software projects face difficulties because their monitoring relies too strongly on subjective information from the team members. Deviations from planning are often recognized too late.One possibility within an integrated project support environment is to visualize the progress in a project to the project management by preparing the technical development data in the project database. This can be seen as objective evaluation of the project status and should be used in addition to monitoring the exactly verifiable check points as e. g. reaching milestones. As an example of improved visibility in a project a progress diagram of the
Engineering
and
Project-management Oriented Support
System EPOS is presented.
Evolution of configuration management
Authors: Bazelmans Rudy
Published: July 2004

The practice of documenting the components of a product, identifying the components of a product, controlling changes to the product and tracking those changes are part of a task called configuration management. This paper discusses the origins and evolution of the term and surveys the software tools which have evolved to support that need.
TRIAD
Authors: Ramanathan Jayashree , Rose John M.
Published: July 2004

The following begins with a survey of current concerns in managing information and current shortcomings of various approaches to address these concerns. It is provided as the basis of the TRIAD research project. The TRIAD project has resulted in the specification and implementation of the mechanisms needed to build intelligent interfaces. It by no means attempts to model a single process, rather, TRIAD is a synthesis of AI, operating system, and software engineering techniques which allows any process to be modeled. TRIAD does not duplicate the functionality of existing software, it does, however, provide a uniform interface so that other software tools can communicate with the database and each other.
On the derivation of method companionship by meta-modelling
Authors: Brinkkemper S. , de Lange M. , Looman R. , van der Steen F. H. G. C.
Published: July 2004

For an efficient and effective system development the relation between methods and tools should be maintained carefully. This relation - called method companionship - can be derived using the mata-data models and meta-activity models of methods and tools. In order to formulate guide-lines for the use of the Information Engineering Workbench (IEW) within the System Development Methodology (SDM), we discuss the determination of the meta-data models and a formal derivation of the support. The structure of the guide-lines is discussed together with their verification within some organizations. Finally, some conclusions from this research are given.
A graphical tool for the prototyping of real-time systems
Authors: Coomber C. J. , Childs R. E.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a prototyping tool for the design and execution of real-time system specifications known as transformation schemas. The tool comprises an editor that makes full use of windows, menus, and icons; and a simulator that executes transformation schemas based on an object-oriented strategy. The tool not only enables the syntactic correctness of a transformation schema to be verified, but also assists in proving its semantic correctness.
The benefits of bottom-up design
Authors: McFarland Gregory
Published: July 2004

This paper examines an inconsistency in generic 'top-down' design methods and standards employed in the implementation of reliable software. Many design approaches adopt top-down ordering when defining the structure, interfaces, and processing of a system. However, strict adherence to a top-down sequencing does not permit accurate description of a system's error handling functions. The design of a system's response to errors is becoming critical as the reliability requirements of systems increase. This paper describes how top-down methods such as Object Oriented Design and Structured Design do not adequately address the issues of error handling, and suggests using a bottom-up substep within these methods to eliminate the problem.
A preliminary study of Ada expansion ratios
Authors: Chelini James V. , Hudson Edmund B. , Reidy Stephen M.
Published: July 2004

Since the mandate (DoDD 5001.31) requiring the use of the Ada language in all mission critical software, a need for revised expansion ratios for estimating Ada software has emerged. This paper describes a study to determine a set of preliminary Ada expansion ratios. Three classes of Ada programming features were identified during this study. These classes are based on the use of Ada specific constructs within the software modules. Each of the classes identified, also has a corresponding expansion ratio. These ratios are used to determine memory requirements which are input to cost estimation models such as COCOMO and SLIM [1].The results of this research will have direct bearing on future Ada projects by helping to develop improved software costing and sizing estimates. This will lead to improved reliability on design requirements for program memory and execution timing specifications. A special note on the effect of timing and complier optimization is also included in this paper.
Teaching Web development with limited resources
Authors: Walker Ellen L. , Browne Logan
Published: July 2004

Computer Science programs are faced with demand from both students and employers for courses in hot topics such as Internet Administration, but resources such as course time and laboratory facilities are often scarce. Another trend facing our programs is the need to increase availability to non-traditional students. This paper describes a course in Internet Administration for both traditional and non-traditional students and how it addressed the issues of limited time, diverse student population, and limited laboratory facilities.
ThetenthStrand == 3 * ethicaldebates + solution
Authors: Townsend Gloria Childress
Published: July 2004

This paper includes several sources from computer science literature, describing three conflicting views of how ethical issues should be incorporated in curricula. Descriptions of specific curricular examples, drawn from several phases of our university's plan for including ethical issues, follow the literature review.
JDuck
Authors: Godfrey Michael , Grossman Dan
Published: July 2004

This paper describes our experiences in having students build a software engineering tool as a course project in a CS2 course. The tool, which we called JDuck (Java Documenter of Code, oK), was modelled on the javadoc tool that is part of Sun Microsystem's standard Java Development Kit (JDK). That is, a working version of JDuck would be able to read in Java source code and generate HTML files that summarize the basic structure of the provided classes. We discuss how we set up the project, what we think the students learned, what they told us they learned, and what we would do differently next time.
Learning operating systems structure and implementation through the MPS computer system simulator
Authors: Morsiani Mauro , Davoli Renzo
Published: July 2004

Lab activity is fundamental for the real understanding of several computer science topics such as operating systems. We have built our own hardware emulator after using software tools from other Universities for several years. MPS is a general-purpose computer system simulator based on MIPS R3000 processor. Together with the main processor, RAM, ROM, disks, tapes, printer and terminal interfaces are carefully emulated and fully configurable; non-volatile memory units may be retained between simulations.MPS features a full-fledged graphic user interface running under X Window, complete sources and documentation. Along with it we present TINA, an experimental project on operating system development, together with several other project proposals.
Software engineering for seniors—overcoming the administrative fears
Authors: Bryant Robert
Published: July 2004

A five-year old program of a two-semester course sequence in software engineering is described. Strategies for handling four common faculty administrative concerns of teaching a project centered software engineering course are presented. The methods and experiences described are the results of a program now in its fifth year. The program is centered around industry sponsored projects which computer science seniors take from design to implementation during the school year.
Exercises for teaching logic in a formal methods course
Authors: Tremblay Guy
Published: July 2004

In a first course in formal methods for software engineers, the emphasis on the topic of logic should be on using (first-order predicate) logic to specify and formally describe properties. In this paper, we suggest using ERDs (Entity-Relationship Diagrams) as support for formalization exercises. Starting from graphical descriptions (ERDs) and textual informal specification of various constraints, students have to produce an equivalent textual and formal specification. We present the notation we use in our course (Spec), some heuristics to obtain the formal concepts from ERDs and a small example.
Education of wireless and ATM networking concepts using hands-on laboratory experience
Authors: Sivalingam Krishna M. , Rajaravivarma V.
Published: July 2004

Traditional computer networking courses primarily tend to provide students with hands-on software development and network performance experience with TCP/IP and Ethernet networks. Our objectives are to enhance the curriculum of networking courses and the expertise of students by introducing next-generation networks such as wireless and ATM networks. To facilitate this, we have established a wireless ATM network instructional facility (NIF) at Washington State University (WSU). Projects based on ATM networks and wireless networks have been introduced in a course on undergraduate computer networks taught at WSU during Spring 1998. This paper describes the laboratory setup, the projects and assignments, and the feedback obtained from the students.
Computer science and general education
Authors: Stegink Gordon , Pater Jon , Vroon Daron
Published: July 2004

We describe a Computer Science General Education course offered at Hope College. This course stresses problem-solving. It uses traditional concepts of programming, but does it with new methods and materials. Graphics is used throughout the course, with programming done in Java applets. All course materials are delivered on the web. All class sessions are combinations of lecture and laboratory modes of instruction. We describe a new interactive environment for student program development in Java. Finally we show how we utilize the World Wide Web as a substitute for a textbook and for course administration.
Web labs for the Standard Template Library and the Java generic library in a CS2 course
Authors: Collins William J. , Sun Yi
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a suite of laboratory experiments for a CS2 course. The main thrust of the experiments is to promote an understanding of a container-class library: the Standard Template Library for C++ or the Java Generic Library for Java. All of the experiments are stored on the World Wide Web, and students have considerable latitude on when each experiment must be completed.
Global cooperation project in computer programming course
Authors: Macek Tomas , Mannova Bozena , Kolar Josef , Williams Barbara
Published: July 2004

A Global Cooperation Project was conducted with computer science classes at the Czech Technical University and North Hennepin Community College. The project was a pilot project for teaching team cooperation on a global scale. For three months the students worked in teams consisting of team members from remote places (Czech Republic and Minnesota). Students learned how to use modern Internet-based communication tools and they were exposed to the experience of working in teams. This text describes the design of the project and summarizes the collected experiences.
Teaching CS1 on-line
Authors: Carrasquel Jacobo
Published: July 2004

Nowadays, many universities and colleges are offering courses at distance. In this paper, I present my experiences and results with the offering of a CS1 course to students in our campus. The course was offered during the last academic year 97-98. I describe our motivation for the on-line course and my observations about student performance. Also, I compare the results of the on-line class with the traditional one.
Visualizing the CPU scheduler and page replacement algorithms
Authors: Khuri Sami , Hsu Hsiu-Chin
Published: July 2004

In this paper, we present two packages that simulate the multilevel feedback queue scheduling algorithm for a single CPU, and five page replacement algorithms that are used in the context of memory management. The paper gives a brief description of the interactive, self-paced packages and explains how we use them in Operating System courses. We also highlight the merits of the packages and the benefits to the students derived from our Java written simulations.
A practical one-semester “VLSI design” course for computer science (and other) majors
Authors: Walker Robert A.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes the development and content of a "VLSI Design" course. We had two main goals for the course: to develop a one-semester course for computer science (and other) majors, and to give the students practical experience with real industrial tools. To meet those goals, we provided only enough material on logic design and IC operation to orient the students, focused on FPLD-based design, and used high-quality design tools. We also found a wealth of free material available on the web, including course information, entire textbooks, and extensive technical data.
Cache conscious programming in undergraduate computer science
Authors: Lebeck Alvin R.
Published: July 2004

The wide-spread use of microprocessor based systems that utilize cache memory to alleviate excessively long DRAM access times introduces a new dimension in the quest to obtain good program performance. To fully exploit the performance potential of these fast processors, programmers must reason about their program's cache performance. Heretofore, this topic has been restricted to the supercomputer, multiprocessor, and academic research community. It is now time to introduce this topic into undergraduate computer science curriculum.As part of the CURIOUS project at Duke University, we are in the initial stages of incorporating cache performance issues into an undergraduate course on software design and implementation. Specifically, we are introducing students to the notion of a cache profile that maps cache behavior to source lines and data structures, and providing a cache profiler that can be used along with other performance debugging tools. In the end, we hope to produce cache conscious programmers that are able to exploit the full performance potential of today's computers.
Adding breadth to CS1 and CS2 courses through visual and interactive programming projects
Authors: Jiménez-Peris Ricardo , Khuri Sami , Patiño-Martínez Marta
Published: July 2004

The aim of programming projects in CS1/CS2 is to put in practice concepts and techniques learnt during lectures. Programming projects serve a dual purpose: first, the students get to practice the programming concepts taught in class, and second, they are introduced to an array of topics that they will cover later in their computer science education.In this work, we present programming projects we have successfully used in CS1/CS2. These topics have added breadth to CS1/CS2 as well as whetted our students' appetite by exposing them to concurrent programming, event-driven programming, graphics management and human-computer interfaces, data compression, image processing and genetic algorithms.We also include the background material, such as tools and libraries we have provided our students to render the more difficult projects amenable to our introductory computer science classes.
Automatic array algorithm animation in C++
Authors: Rasala Richard
Published: July 2004

This paper describes an elegant method for automatically animating an arbitrary array algorithm in C++.
BlackBox
Authors: Warford J. Stanley
Published: July 2004

This paper describes the BlackBox framework, an object-oriented application development environment, and our experience with its use over the past several years in the CS1/CS2 course. This little-known framework features: (1) a graphical user interface that is simple enough for beginning students to program, (2) true cross-platform capability, (3) guaranteed memory-safe pointers with automatic garbage collection, (4) a new language, Component Pascal, that combines the best of Java and Pascal, (5) fast, native-code compilation, and (6) lowest possible cost (free to educational users). The paper concludes with a guide to further resources for those who wish to pursue this promising new framework in their curricula for the first year.
Using learning style data in an introductory computer science course
Authors: Chamillard A. T. , Karolick Dolores
Published: July 2004

Because learning styles affect how students approach new material, a deeper comprehension of these styles can help professors enhance student learning experiences. In this paper we discuss how learning style data can be used to help guide student study habits and instructional strategies. Additionally, we examine whether or not there is a correlation between learning style and academic performance in an introductory computer science course.
Algorithma 98
Authors: Concepcion Arturo I. , Cummins Lawrence E. , Moran Ernest J. , Do Man M.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes Algorithma 98 which has three fundamental features: walkthroughs, animations, and availability of source code and documentation. The first two features allow the user to exercise the algorithm in a step-by-step manner while viewing its animation. The third feature makes Algorithma 98 an open system that can be improved and extended by another developer. This paper also describes the object-oriented software process that was used in developing Algorithma 98 to support its extensibility and reusability.
Empirical exploration in undergraduate operating systems
Authors: Robbins Steven , Robbins Kay A.
Published: July 2004

The undergraduate operating systems course can provide students with a valuable introduction to empirical testing and experimentation. We have implemented a process scheduling simulator designed to develop student empirical skills while they are learning part of the standard operating systems curriculum. The simulator is written in Java and available for direct experimentation via the World Wide Web. By accessing the remote URL through an appletviewer, students can permanently save input test data and simulator results generated in HTML format. In one type of assignment, students are given a hypothesis about process scheduling and are asked to develop experiments to support or disprove the hypothesis. In a second type of assignment students are asked to develop their own hypotheses. Not only did these assignments enhance student understanding of process scheduling, but the techniques exposed students to empirical approaches to validation and testing.
Using JFLAP to interact with theorems in automata theory
Authors: Gramond Eric , Rodger Susan H.
Published: July 2004

An automata theory course can be taught in an interactive, hands-on manner using a computer. At Duke we have been using the software tool JFLAP to provide interaction and feedback in CPS 140, our automata theory course. JFLAP is a tool for designing and running nondeterministic versions of finite automata, pushdown automata, and Turing machines. Recently, we have enhanced JFLAP to allow one to study the proofs of several theorems that focus on conversions of languages, from one form to another, such as converting an NFA to a DFA and then to a minimum state DFA. In addition, our enhancements combined with other tools allow one to interactively study LL and LR parsing methods.
Computer graphics
Authors: Hitchner Lew , Cunningham Steve , Grissom Scott , Wolfe Rosalee
Published: July 2004

The field of computer graphics has matured greatly since the formal statement of the introductory undergraduate course was created for Curriculum 91, and courses must change accordingly. This panel will describe a philosophical basis for the changes and will give some examples of courses that are responding to that change.
New developments in accreditation
Authors: Lidtke Doris K. , Gorgone John , Bonnette Della , Mulder Michael C.
Published: July 2004

Recently several changes have occurred in accreditation. This panel will address four major changes: the new guidelines for accreditation on Computer Science programs, the integration of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the developments in software engineering accreditation, and the developments in accreditation of programs in computer information sciences/information systems science.This panel will discuss these recent and their potential impacts. These areas may see considerable change from the submission of the proposal for a panel and the time that panel convenes in San Antonio.
Developing teaching resources for reuse and publishing in the CSTC
Authors: Knox Deborah , Grissom Scott
Published: July 2004

This seminar will provide information about the Computer Science Teaching Center, focusing on developing contributions. The qualities of materials likely to be accepted after formal review by peers will be covered and the process of submission, review, and acceptance will be discussed. Participants will analyze samples of successful materials.
Thinking parallel
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai , Kolikant Yifat Ben-David
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a course in concurrent and distributed computing for high school students and empirical research that was done to study students' conceptions and attitudes. We found that both their conceptions and their work methods evolved during course to the point that they were able to successfully develop algorithms and to prove their correctness. Students initially found the course extremely challenging but eventually came to appreciate its relevance and its contribution to improving their cognitive skills.
A cognitive framework for knowledge in informatics
Authors: Holmboe Christian
Published: July 2004

Knowledge is a function of both skills and understanding. The interaction between instrumental and relational understanding is necessary for construction of further knowledge. Constructivist theory is used to analyse the learning process in informatics. A framework for describing different types / levels of knowledge is used to describe students and professors statements about the concept of Object-orientation.The findings of this study may have implications for teaching Object-orientation, especially in introductory courses.
On changing from written to on-line tests in
Computer Science I
Authors: Kumar Amruth N.
Published: July 2004

How do on-line tests compare with written tests in
Computer Science I
? Do students who do well in written tests also do well in an online test? Is an online test better or worse than a written test at assessing the problem-solving skills of a student? This paper summarizes the answers to these questions that we found during our switch from written to on-line testing.
Improving on-line assessment
Authors: Preston Jon A. , Shackelford Russell
Published: July 2004

We are in the process of developing an on-line marking system for use in our large-scale CS1 and CS2 courses. To better accommodate the needs of our numerous raters, we investigated their current methodologies in marking students' work; this paper presents our findings from recording "think out loud" marking sessions and surveys. A prototype for an on-line assessment software tool is described; this tool allows markers to view students' work at various degrees of detail ranging from complete, low-level to "meta-level." We believe such a system is beneficial for improving the marking process in large-scale and distance classes.
Changing IS curriculum and methods of instruction
Authors: Kuraś Marian , Grabowski Mariusz , Zając Agnieszka
Published: July 2004

The paper presents problems of teaching information systems at school of management. Authors drew from observations in Polish and western schools of management and literature. Suggestions in respect to rules for new curriculum design are given in the paper. The results of investigations are presented in conclusions with recommendations.
Collaboration or plagiarism
Authors: Carter Janet
Published: July 2004

This paper describes the findings of a small-scale case study concerning the collaborative aspects of student working practices. It is a pilot investigation into the strategies that are employed by students when attempting Object Oriented programming exercises outside the formal classroom setting.Some of the collaborative practices are simple cases of copying, but others, despite falling within the definition of plagiarism, are a beneficial, and possibly useful, means of enhancing the learning process.Although this study only focuses upon a small group of students in one UK University, the practices highlighted are unlikely to be confined to this one setting.
A special learning environment for repeat students
Authors: Sheard Judy , Hagan Dianne
Published: July 2004

In 1997, surveys of a group of introductory programming students, in a class with a predominance of repeat students (i.e., students who had previously failed the subject), provided an opportunity to establish a profile of the weakest students. These students were the "alienated" ones who had not wanted to do this course in the first place, had little motivation to learn programming, and were characterised by poor class attendance and low work output. In 1998 a new learning environment, tailored to these students' special needs, was implemented to encourage them to achieve success. Improvement was observed in many aspects of the learning behaviour of these students.
Is your degree quality endorsed?
Authors: Balbin Isaac
Published: July 2004

Defining what we mean by a quality degree is a difficult enough undertaking. Having to demonstrate that a degree program is adhering to this definition is at least as challenging. Academics already "know" that they are doing a good job with the teaching and learning aspects of their courses and so any suggestion that the processes involved need monitoring and auditing commonly meet with a combination of disdain, calls of "time-wasting" and "meddling" and general derision. At the same time, there is increasing pressure on Universities around the world to not only be accountable for the quality of their products but to also demonstrate that processes that reflect the efforts to achieve quality be visible and in place.In this paper we describe a new web-based database system which has been developed to monitor and track aspects of the quality of our degree offerings. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring that the important facets which define or demonstrate quality are both highlighted and managed easily.
Distance learning model with local workshop sessions applied to in-service teacher training
Authors: Haberman Bruria , Ginat David
Published: July 2004

This paper presents the development, implementation and evaluation of a novel distance learning model integrated with local workshop sessions. The model was developed for a large-scale in-service teacher training, and applied to introduce a new computer science curriculum and its didactic approach. The model evaluation showed a significant success, both in terms of participants' attitudes, and the assimilation of the subject matter and its didactic approach.
Quality of service over Ethernet for telelearning applications
Authors: Arco J. M. , Alarcos B. , Hellín A. M. , Meziat D.
Published: July 2004

The objective of this investigation is to implement a technology that provides measurements of quality of service (QoS) of established local area networks. Improvements of the required infrastructure for applications of telelearning (videoconference, electronic blackboard, shared applications…) are implemented with a minimal cost. We are implementing features of ATM on Ethernet local area networks, through the protocol "Cells In Frame" (CIF). This protocol encapsulates ATM cells in Ethernet frames using CIF specification. Values of measured parameters reveal that the implementation provides the ATM quality of service necessary for telelearning traffic type.
A collaborative strategy for developing shared Java teaching resources to support first year programming
Authors: Ellis Ainslie , Hagan Dianne , Sheard Judy , Lowder Jason , Doube Wendy , Carbone Angela , Robinson John , Tucker Sylvia
Published: July 2004

This paper discusses a strategy for developing shared teaching resources to support Java programming subjects taught using a variety of educational approaches (lectures and tutorials, problem-based learning, distance education) with differing computing focii (computer science, commercial computing, network computing).The strategy is a group process involving six distinct stages: selecting the topic areas considered integral to all subjects for which the resources will be used; defining the details and identifying areas / concepts of a topic; determining basic, intermediate and advanced levels of information; determining appropriate educational techniques that support the desired learning objectives for the concept; investigating existing resources and building new resources, both with and without the use of computer technology.
Didactic instructional tool for topics in computer science
Authors: Trichina Elena
Published: July 2004

We consider the design of computer-enhanced teaching environment to be primarily a didactic task, and concentrate on representation of a domain structure and pedagogical view of the teaching process. At the core of our tutoring environment for computability topics is the ability of the system to engage students' previous knowledge of programming in comprehension of abstract concepts.
Webware
Authors: Finkel David , Cruz Isabel F.
Published: July 2004

Sophisticated applications and software development on the Web demand an extensive and thorough understanding of a variety of computer science disciplines, as well as providing their own set of issues. Therefore, we have created an advanced undergraduate computer science course called
Webware: Computational Technology for Network Information Systems
that builds upon and extends knowledge previously gathered by the students. We describe its contents, our teaching experience, and address the challenges of teaching both the foundations and current technological issues of Web programming.
Promoting computer software intellectual property right in Computer Science Education
Authors: Yang Lan , Ding Zhiqiang
Published: July 2004

Computer software intellectual property right (IPR) protection has become an important issue of universal concern. This paper, based on a survey conducted in five Chinese universities reveals the importance of teaching the subject of computer software IPR to computer science students. The paper discusses the development of educational material that highlights the technical, cultural, legal and regulatory, and business factors related to computer software IPR. It also proposes an educational program for enhancing IPR protection, which can be incorporated into the undergraduate and graduate curricula of computer science.
A strategy for managing content complexity in algorithm animation
Authors: Stern Linda , Søndergaard Harald , Naish Lee
Published: July 2004

Computer animation is an excellent medium for capturing the dynamic nature of data structure manipulations, and can be used to advantage in the teaching of algorithms and data structures. A major educational issue is the necessity of providing a means for the student to manage the complexity of the material. We have addressed this issue in a multimedia teaching tool called "Algorithms in Action" by allowing students to view an algorithm at varying levels of detail. Starting with a high level pseudocode description of the algorithm, with accompanying high level animation and textual explanation, students can expand sections of the pseudocode to expose more detail. Animation and explanation are controlled in a coordinated fashion, becoming correspondingly more detailed as the pseudocode is expanded. The tool also supports dofferem , pdes. corresponding to different stages in the learning process. Student feedback suggests that the availability of multiple levels detail and the facility for the user to control the level of detail being viewed is an effective way to manage content complexity.
A multimedia animated simulation generator
Authors: Hewson John , Doube Wendy , Calagaz Michael
Published: July 2004

This paper shows how a multimedia multi-framed simulation generator was developed. A technique of recording a sequence of steps and playing them back as an animation overcomes the major problems with the synchronous mapping of components which execute asynchronously and non-sequentially It also preserves the integrity of instructional design. A simulation of any executing program code segment can be produced in a few hours using this generator. Four frames can simultaneously display different representations of the segment as text or graphical images. Users can step through the simulation or have it run at variable speed, and can change specified code statements to increase learning potential. The Animated Simulation Generator could be used for any frame-based animation requiring complex sets of interrelated text and/or graphical components.
Evaluating course Web sites and student performance
Authors: Heines Jesse M.
Published: July 2004

Erwin Boschmann [1] listed four major issues pertaining to "the infusion of technology in higher education" in a recent posting on
The Technology Source.
His third issue is ,that "there is little existing research on learning." This paper addresses that issue by analyzing a course web site now in its fifth semester of operation and focusing squarely on its effect on student learning. It discusses research methods for evaluating the web site's effect on student performance and statistical methods for identifying performance trends. Data on multiple undergraduate courses is presented, comparing student performance before and after the web site was introduced.
RoboProf and an introductory computer programming course
Authors: Daly Charlie
Published: July 2004

RoboProf is an online teaching system. It is based on WWW technology and can easily incorporate WWW-compatible media such as graphics, audio and video. It is structured as a self-paced course book: RoboProf presents the student with information on a closely-defined topic and then marks a set of exercises covering that material. When the students results are satisfactory, a new topic is introduced.The idea behind RoboProf is to increase motivation by borrowing ideas from certain games. These ideas include providing a challenge, giving quick feedback, making progress visible and encouraging experimentation.RoboProf was used to teach an introductory computer programming course. An introductory computer programming course must cover two main areas, the computer model (syntax and semantics of a programming language) and program design. In this paper I show how RoboProf can be effectively used to help teach the syntax and semantics of a programming language.
Building self-contained websites on CD-ROM
Authors: English John
Published: July 2004

The BURKS Project has for the past three years produced non-profit CD-ROMs of resources for students of Computer Science. Now in its third edition, BURKS is a self-contained website which incorporates a pre-installed web browser and which now spans a set of two CD-ROMs. This paper describes the techniques used to implement this product.
How should data structures and algorithms be taught
Authors: Kopec Danny , Close Richard , Aman Jim
Published: July 2004

Data Structures and Algorithms is clearly a very important topic and course in the Computer Science curriculum. It has been taught at several levels by a number of approaches. Should the approach be mathematical, theoretical and abstract or very concrete and "hands on"? Whichever method is used, the ultimate goal is the same: enhancing student comprehension. The panelists discuss three distinct and well-defined approaches.
Poster session. Internet curriculum. two courses
Authors: Ackermann Ernest
Published: July 2004

We describe two courses that deal with the Internet. One is an introductory course with no prerequisites and the other is more advanced and focuses on providing Web services.
Minimum requirements for effective distance teaching systems
Authors: de Campos Geraldo Lino
Published: July 2004

The first practical video conferencing systems were introduced at the Fourth World Telecommunications Forum held in Geneva in 1983 [Eva95], but their use is still rare. By comparison, the personal computer, introduce about the same time, is now a commodity sold by the millions.That is surprising, considering the cost and time savings associated with teleconferencing and the economy of scale achievable by teleteaching.This paper presents the position that lack of quantity and quality in the transmission process are responsible for the low success.
The use of the Internet in the teaching process
Authors: Put Dariusz , Stal Janusz , Zurowicz Marek
Published: July 2004

The aim of this project is to present a teaching method based on the HTTP protocol. The main goal of this method is to aid the self-study process with the use of interactive pages based on the HTTP protocol. Such pages are generated for each student individually, depending on his progress in internalising knowledge.
ACOM (“computing for all”)
Authors: Dee Hannah , Reffell Peter
Published: July 2004

This poster describes the ACOM modules at Leeds University, teaching IT skills to a very large and diverse student body.
IntraED - an intranet solution for EDucation
Authors: Madej Jan , Wilusz Tadeusz
Published: July 2004

The IntraED concept has been developed in 1996 as a solution for the problem of shortage of financial resources for setting up necessary environment for introducing the intranet technology into instructional process at the Cracow University of Economics. The developed system has been intensively tested since that and supporting more courses every year. Therefore we would like to share the IntraED system concept as well as gained experience coming out from over two academic years of tests with everybody interested in setting up low cost intranet environment for educational purposes.
Who wants to learn online?
Authors: Young Stuart , Dewstow Ross , McSporran Mae
Published: July 2004

A study of how different demographic groups find the experience of flexible online learning. A first year course in Internet & Web Design is offered to a diverse range of students in traditional and online formats. We hope to draw conclusions about which groups find online learning works for them.
Teaching very large instruction word architectures
Authors: Impagliazzo John
Published: July 2004

The VLIW model describes a philosophy whereby the compiler organizes several nondependent machine operations into the same instruction word. Some features of this form of architecture are illustrated and certain strategies on presenting this topic to students are shown.