Redesigning Introductory Computing: The Design Discipline

Adelphi University, Garden City NY

Investigators

Abstract

Computer Science (31) The Redesigning Introductory Computing: The Design Discipline project is creating a powerful, yet novice-friendly, introductory curriculum. This curriculum features a well-developed set of language subsets, introduces multiple languages over multiple semesters, and uses Teachpacks that hide complexity from students by encapsulating infrastructure code. Intellectual Merit: This project is utilizing research results in pedagogy to inform what to teach, and technical solutions to create programming languages and tools with sufficient encapsulation to expose novices to challenging applications. Students are developing programming skills while working in pedagogically-motivated language subsets. Broader Impact: The project is conducting workshops which are training almost 200 college faculty in the design oriented approach. In addition to making all materials available over the Web, the project is supporting tools like discussion forums and mailing lists in an effort to build a stronger community of introductory programming educators.