Introductory computer science for general education: laboratories, textbooks, and the Internet

ABSTRACT

Many colleges and universities are experiencing the need to offer an introductory computer science course that meets some but perhaps not all the guidelines suggested for a CS 1 course. This course frequently meets institutional general education requirements and must be more than a literacy course.We discuss the implementation of such a course at Hope College. We outline the goals of the course and some novel features of the implementation, including an emphasis on graphics. We give examples of our approach to laboratories. Finally we show how we utilize the World Wide Web as a substitute for a textbook and for course administration.

REFERENCES

• 1: Doug Baldwin , Greg Scragg , Hans Koomen, A three-fold introduction to computer science, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.26 n.1, p.290-294, March 1994
• 2: Dorothy Deremer , Gail Finley , Lynn Ziegler , Doug Baldwin , Gordon Stegink, Alternative teaching strategies in CS I: supporting diversity (abstract), ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.27 n.1, p.368-369, March 1995
• 3: David Ginat, Efficiency of algorithms for programming beginners, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.28 n.1, p.256-260, March 1996
• 4: Rhys Price Jones , Fritz Ruehr , Richard Salter, Web-based laboratories in the introductory curriculum enhance formal methods, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.28 n.1, p.160-164, March 1996
• 5: Ronald E. Wilson, Integrating a breadth-first curriculum with relevant programming projects in CS1/CS2, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.27 n.1, p.214-217, March 1995

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:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.3 Communications Applications

          Nouns: Internet

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

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory