Compared to other subjects, the typical introductory programming (CS1) course has higher than usual rates of both failing and high grades, creating a characteristic bimodal grade distribution. In this article, I explore two possible explanations. The conventional explanation has been that learners naturally fall into populations of programmers and…

This exploratory study took place in the context of middle school information science in Greece, to examine possible relations between boys' and girls': value and efficacy beliefs about computers and information science; perceived parental support; perceived teacher expectations; and perceptions of the nature of information science instruction.…

The universities and faculties which educate teachers of mathematics for teaching pupils/students of any age group from pre-school age to higher education carefully monitor and compare valuable results of this research, detect the areas in which the mathematical achievements of pupils should be improved at the national level and propose the ways…

This paper examines how Team Learning allows students to express themselves through their work. I define expression to include taking ownership of one's work, i.e. working through self-motivation rather than through the dictates of a teacher, and participating in a community of workers. This participation includes working with colleagues on…

In this paper, two emerging learning and teaching methods have been studied: collaboration in concert with algorithm visualization. When visualizations have been employed in collaborative learning, collaboration introduces new challenges for the visualization tools. In addition, new theories are needed to guide the development and research of the…

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)

Pascal's Triangle is named for the seventeenth-century French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal (the same person for whom the computer programming language is named). Students are generally introduced to Pascal's Triangle in an algebra or precalculus class in which the Binomial Theorem is presented. This article, presents a new method…

Web 2.0 and virtual world technologies are here to stay. Today, our students come to our classroom with a presence on Facebook, the latest concert as a podcast on their MP3 player, and experience playing games in virtual worlds. In some respects, students are more tech-savvy than their Information Systems professors. Research showing the benefits…

This paper describes the design and implementation of a tool for experimenting with mobile robotics concepts, primarily for use by children and teenagers, or by the general public, without previous experience in robotics. This tool helps children learn about science in an approachable and interactive way, using scientific research principles in…

Hybrid computation facilities have been in operation at Louisiana State University since the spring of 1969. In part, they consist of an Electronics Associates, Inc. (EAI) Model 680 analog computer, an EAI Model 693 interface, and a Xerox Data Systems (XDS) Sigma 5 digital computer. The hybrid laboratory is used in a course on hybrid computation…

Teaching future knowledge engineers, the necessary skills for designing and implementing intelligent software solutions required by business, industry and research today, is a very tall order. These skills are not easily taught in traditional undergraduate computer science lectures; nor are the practical experiences easily reinforced in laboratory…

A discussion of why computers fulfill a double role as a means of teaching and as objects to be experienced in their own right, therefore they must be presented in similar roles in the education of teachers. (Author/HB)

Reports on a study indicating that there are no significant differences in student learning when they are taught FORTRAN by the grammatical approach and the whole program approach. (IRT)

Backward chaining is a teaching technique which logically and systematically links the steps of an algorithmic process, beginning with the final result and then working backwards. This paper concerns its application in the algorithmic problem-solving approach to computer science. (Author)