Computer Science

Integrating a science perspective into an introductory computer science course

Document Type

Conference Paper

Abstract

Experiences of including a Science Perspective in our university-level introductory computer science course are presented. The Science Perspective has helped in recruitment of students who otherwise might not have considered taking a computer science course. The assignments offered as part of the Science Perspective have been an integral part of our approach to teaching computer science in a way that is interesting and engaging to students by inviting them to explore scientific applications in computing. Our approach uses the Alice 3D animation-based programming environment followed by an event-based graphical Java programming approach. The interactive and visual nature of these approaches has increased student engagement, which has led to better retention in follow-up computer science courses. This approach could also be applicable in teaching computer science in secondary education. © 2013 IEEE.

Publication Title

ISEC 2013 - 3rd IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference

Publication Date

2013

ISBN

9781467356244

DOI

10.1109/ISECon.2013.6525219

Keywords

Alice and Java programming, Introductory Computer Science, recruitment and retention, Science Perspective, STEM synergies

APA Citation

Magee, J. J., & Han, L. (2013, March). Integrating a science perspective into an introductory computer science course. In 2013 IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS