Innovating introductory computer science courses: approaches and comparisons

ABSTRACT

In recent years much attention and effort have been devoted to the task of innovating computer science courses, especially the introductory ones. In this paper we describe an innovation in an introductory computer science course at South Carolina State University, a four-year minority-educating institution. Our approach is a combination of: a) adoption - we started by adopting the concept of studying jointly computer science concepts and digital media concepts, b) adaptation - we introduced the new course concept as extension and adaptation of a legacy computer literacy course, c) innovation - since we aim primarily at students majoring in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technology (STEM), we introduced specific modules and topics designed to enhance topics of interest to these students. We present some of the content of our course and its influence on students' knowlegde acqusition process. We also present students' survey data and compare them with data obtained at two other institutions: a major research university, and b) a two-year college.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
CS1, adoption/adaptation, multimedia, programming