Targeted Infusion Project: Infusing Computational Thinking and Visual Learning into an Introductory Computer Science Course to Promote Students' Success and Retention

Morgan State University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. The project at Morgan State University seeks to infuse critical thinking and other evidence-based strategies throughout the introductory computer science programming course taken annually by about 100 students. A strong plan for formative and summative evaluation is part of the project. This project has the specific goals to: integrate and evaluate critical thinking skills with the existing curriculum alongside programming skills; teach general problem-solving techniques with a flowchart-based programming environment and without using specific programming concepts or languages at the beginning of the curriculum; put greater emphasis on core computer science principles with less of a focus on syntax by introducing Python as the introductory programming language; incorporate visual and interactive learning; and actively engage students in collaborative learning. The desired outcome is to retain more students in the Computer Science major and to prepare them for graduate studies and/or the workforce.