Abstraction is a key concept in CS, one of the most fundamental ideas underlying CS and its practice. However, teaching this soft concept to novices is a very difficult task, as discussed by many CSE experts. This paper discusses this issue, and suggests a general framework for teaching abstraction in CS to novices, a framework that would fit into…

Agile methodologies have become increasingly popular among software developers as evidenced by industrial participation at related conferences. The popularity of agile practices over traditional techniques partly stems from the fact that these practices provide for more customer involvement and better accommodate rapidly changing requirements,…

This paper focuses on challenges in mentoring software development projects in the high school and analyzes difficulties encountered by Computer Science teachers in the mentoring process according to Shulman's Teacher Knowledge Base Model. The main difficulties that emerged from the data analysis belong to the following knowledge sources of…

This article contains a description of the organization and method of use of an active learning environment named MODeLeR, (Multimedia Object Design Learning Resource), a tool designed to facilitate the learning of concepts pertaining to object modeling with the Unified Modeling Language (UML). MODeLeR was created to provide an authentic,…

Presents a collection of short items, including: (1) a routine to watch while computer processing occurs; (2) a MSBASIC-to-WORDSTAR translator; (3) an easy by-column printout; and (4) a selection of one-line functions, such as automatic string centering. (JN)

Discusses artificial intelligence, its definitions, and potential applications. Provides listings of Logo and BASIC versions for programs along with REM statements needed to make modifications for use with Apple computers. (RT)

Contains annotations for resources on the history of computing. Includes resources for technical computing history, general computing history, precomputer era, the impact of computing and series. (CW)

Reports on a study designed to investigate the attitudes of practicing teachers and student teachers regarding the educational use of computers. Results indicated that both groups of teachers surveyed believed their students should be computer literate and advocated the increased use of computers in education. (TW)

Presented are seven abstracts of papers presented at a microcomputer conference. Areas considered include: development of "Rocky's Boots," a logic simulation game; using computers for practice and problem solving; experiences using LOGO; a computer science curriculum; microcomputers in the science laboratory; computer literacy; and a…

Addresses why the authors feel it is not inappropriate to teach about viruses in the how-to, hands-on fashion. Identifies the special features of Turbo Pascal that have to be used for the creation of an effective virus. Defines virus, derives its structure, and from this structure is derived the implemented virus. (PR)

Proposes to modify the procedure proposed by Abelson and diSessa to produce a polygonal path with vertices that lie exactly on an ellipse. Provides a detailed proof. Implements a limiting process to produce the best possible approximation to any ellipse for any given screen resolution. (CW)

This two-part article deals with the design and construction of a primitive Von Neumann computer using a logic design simulator. Describes the design of the computer memory and its register structure. Six layouts of the computer architecture are presented. Lists three references. (YP)

Abstracts from nine selected papers presented at the 1982 Association for Educational Data Systems (AEDS) conference are provided. Copies of conference proceedings may be obtained for fifteen dollars from the Association. (MP)

Describes a physics classroom in Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff Manor, New Jersey. Over 50 percent of the student body studies at least a year of physics before graduating, but less than 15 percent take a computer course. The physics programs discussed illustrate five different computer applications. (MP)

Describes the use of a logic circuit simulator to design a computer in an introductory computer course. Discusses the design of a sequence generator, control circuits, and testing of a computer's instruction set. (YP)