Discusses the measurement of the learning of programing language through tests of students' knowledge of syntax rules, ability to read programs, and ability to write logically correct programs. Findings that indicate a direct relationship between ability to read programs and ability to write programs suggest a cost-effective way of measuring…

Proposes that computing is, in itself, a valuable discipline that should become part of the school curriculum, even for young children. Instructional strategies and suggestions for teaching programing are offered. (JN)

Describes an evaluation technique for grading student computer programs which can reduce program grading time, as well as increase the teacher's objectivity. Elements of this technique include grading on six criteria (timeliness, problem definition, input/output design, logic design, source program, test validity). Examples are included. (CT)

The second of two articles on recursive programing techniques focuses on pseudocoding of recursive processes, evaluation and encoding of recursive procedures, and evaluation and encoding of recursive functions. The translation of recursive relations in mathematics to recursive functions is also examined, and an example is given. (12 references)…

Examines the use of the computer to approximate the value of the definite integral normally calculated by mathematical means. Presents four examples using BASIC programs to approximate single and double integrals by numerical integration and the Monte Carlo method. Programs are provided. (MDH)

Presents a collection of computer teaching activities for the early grades, including instructions for teaching children to start up a computer on their own. Also suggests exploring electronic bulletin boards, using old typewriters to practice typing skills, and using subroutines in computer programs to streamline programs. (JN)

Presents a collection of computer-oriented teaching activities for the early grades. They include creating musical tones using Atari PILOT, a simulation of traffic lights, teacher-friendly password protection, drawing the alphabet using Logo, and using the Commodore 64's special character graphics. (JN)

Presents four teaching activities suitable for students in early elementary grades. The activities focus on creating a database for student use, a bulletin board which uses a visual diagram of modular programing, a program (with listing) which uses graphics to present a birthday greeting, and a random number program. (JN)

Giving students their own disks to use as they please can inspire them to develop new programming skills and original approaches to using the computer. Offers suggestions on preparing disks for individual student use and making such disks a personal item. (JN)

Discusses activities for counting using FOR/NEXT commands, finding number of letters in words using LOGO, generating random numbers on the TRS-80 (program listing included), and examining mistaken predictions. Includes the article "Animating Graphics in BASIC" by Ellen Joslin (program listing included). (JN)

Stresses the importance of teaching "structured programming," and gives examples of good and bad programing styles and suggestions for teaching good programing techniques. The language used is BASIC, and numerous examples are provided. (EAO)

Describes a methods course to prepare teachers of computer science for the secondary schools. Aspects of the course include goals and objectives, programing projects, assignments related to teaching methods, group projects, planned teaching experiences, and lesson planning assignments. Provides a list of 38 assigned readings. (MDH)

Discusses the second session of a Vassar College workshop on computers and the humanities which focused on how to teach computing to humanists. Arguing for a holistic approach, the author outlines the material to be taught and how to teach it. Emphasizes ample hands-on training, and instruction in general computer principles not the specifics of…

Presents a collection of teaching activities suitable for students in the upper grades. These activities focus on practical programming projects, use of word processors for learning a foreign language, an Atari program for making a starburst, and a program (with deliberate errors) to determine the thickness of folded paper. (JN)

Describes four game programs--Silly Sentence, Spell-It, Scrambled Word, and Guess the Word--designed to introduce elementary school students with no prior programing experience to key concepts of programing with BASIC. Several immediate learning outcomes that became evident while observing students at work with the programs are also discussed.…