Computational thinking in physics has many different forms, definitions, and implementations depending on the level of physics or the institution it is presented in. To better integrate computational thinking in introductory physics, we need to understand what physicists find important about computational thinking in introductory physics. We…

Computational thinking (CT) involves breaking a problem into smaller components and solving it using algorithmic thinking and abstraction. CT is no longer exclusively for computer scientists but for everyone. While CT does not necessarily require programming, learning programming to enhance CT skills at a young age can help shape the next…

Background: All types of librarians are expected to possess information and computer skills to actively assist patrons in accessing information and in recognizing reputable sources. Mastery of information and computer skills is a high priority for library and information science programs since graduate students have varied multidisciplinary…

Discussion of methods that can be used to teach beginner courses in computer literacy focuses on students aged 10-12. The value of using a programing language versus using a generic software package is highlighted; Logo and Prolog are reviewed; and the use of databases is discussed. (LRW)

In this article we report assessment results from two studies in an ongoing design experiment intended to provide a single school system with a sequence of secondary school level (ages 14-18) computer technology courses. In our first study, we share data on students' learning as a function of the required introductory course and their pre-course…

Computer anxiety was studied in undergraduates without previous computer experience enrolled in an introductory course (N=111). About 33 percent had seriously high levels of computer anxiety. It may be advantageous to segregate initially anxious students into separate classes. (SLD)

A study investigated the degree to which changes made in a traditional introductory computer course addressed student expectations. The revised curriculum focused on computer literacy and computer awareness rather than programming skills. Evaluation suggests that, although neither course realized student expectations fully, the revised course…

Issues in teaching students who are neither mathematiaclly nor scientifically oriented to apply computers to their intellectual and creative pursuits are described. Suggestions are made for designing an introductory computer literacy course. (MSE)

Kent State University (Ohio) Regional Campuses have conducted surveys of their applied business associate degree graduates in office management, accounting, business management, and their employers. Responses indicated the need for computer literacy appropriate to the employment situation. In addition, instructors of traditional liberal arts…

This paper reports on the results of a preliminary investigation of the extent to which first-year students entering a university during the summer, who enroll in the introductory information systems course in a college of business, meet the requirements for the course upon entrance. A second objective is to recommend a course of action to be…

This paper discusses in detail the nature of the conceptual development in beginning computing education for teachers and makes a case for the inclusion of programming experiences. The controversial nature of this perspective is addressed directly including a historical perspective. The discussion includes an account of some specific notions of…

This study evaluated the computer skills and learning expectations of students in an introductory course at a regional university in the southeastern United States. A survey was administered to 595 students enrolled in sections of the Introduction to Computer Information Systems (CIS) course. The survey instrument charted such things as major and…

As a result of new adult education funding arrangements announced by the Further Education Funding Council for England in Spring 2000, short courses of 3 or 6 hours duration were developed that concentrated on basic skills, information and communications technology (ICT), and general lifelong learning subjects. Courses were designed as minicourses…