Putting the science into computer science: treating introductory computer science as the study of algorithms

ABSTRACT

This paper describes why the study of algorithms should be a fundamental component of the standard introductory computer science (CS) curriculum. By shifting the focus of basic CS classes from implementation to concept, educators can greatly enhance student understanding and course relevance despite rapidly-changing paradigms, technologies, and programming languages. Teaching algorithms also encourages the development of other more generalized skills, including the scientific method, problem-solving, modeling, and technical communication.

REFERENCES

• 1: Doug Baldwin , Johannes A. G. M. Koomen, Using scientific experiments in early computer science laboratories, Proceedings of the twenty-third SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, p.102-106, March 05-06, 1992, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
• 2: Lori Carter, Why students with an apparent aptitude for computer science don't choose to major in computer science, Proceedings of the 37th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, March 03-05, 2006, Houston, Texas, USA
• 3: Phoenix Moorman , Elizabeth Johnson, Still a stranger here: attitudes among secondary school students towards computer science, Proceedings of the 8th annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education, June 30-July 02, 2003, Thessaloniki, Greece
• 4: Richard O'Lander, Factors effecting high school student's choice of computer science as a major, Proceedings of the symposium on Computers and the quality of life, p.25-31, February 14-15, 1996, Philadelpia, Pennsylvania, United States [doi>10.1145/238339.238353]
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INDEX TERMS

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

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

Keywords:
CS I, algorithms, introductory computer science, programming, science