Sally Fincher - Böcker

This book provides an overview of how to approach computer science education research from a pragmatic perspective. It represents the diversity of traditions and approaches inherent in this interdisciplinary area, while also providing a structure within which to make sense of that diversity. It provides multiple 'entry points'- to literature, to methods, to topicsPart One, 'The Field and the Endeavor', frames the nature and conduct of research in computer science education. Part Two, 'Perspectives and Approaches', provides a number of grounded chapters on particular topics or themes, written by experts in each domain. These chapters cover the following topics:* design* novice misconceptions* programming environments for novices* algorithm visualisation* a schema theory view on learning to program* critical theory as a theoretical approach to computer science education researchJuxtaposed and taken together, these chapters indicate just how varied the perspectives and research approaches can be. These chapters, too, act as entry points, with illustrations drawn from published work.

We've written this book to support students in studying programming. It is not a text to teach any particular programming language, but to be used alongside such a book, or in conjunction with a taught course. In Studying Programming we concentrate on what other books consider too 'obvious' or too 'basic'. We explain the ideas that others assume you know, we describe the things that can make learning to program a frustrating experience if you don't know them. We stay with you through the process from starting with your very first blank screen to working on complex problems within a team.Studying Programming has been written by 9 members of the Computing Education Research Group at the University of Kent. All of us are practicing computing academics who also have a research interest in CS education. So we have a strong classroom background - teaching students on a daily basis - and a strong research background, knowing what has been investigated (and written on) with regard to students' knowledge, conception and difficulties in introductory programming.

Computer Science Project Work: Principles and Pragmatics is essential reading for lecturers and course designers who want to improve their handling of project work on specific courses, and deans and department heads who are interested in strategic issues and comparative practices. It explores working practices within the curriculum and provides a resource of guidelines and practical advice, including tried and tested "good ideas" and case studies of innovative practices.It looks at different approaches to key aspects of project work such as:- Allocation- Supervision- Assessment Integration with the curriculumand allows readers to "mix and match" approaches to create a system which suits their individual needs."Computer Science Project Work: Principles and Pragmatics is passionate, well-researched, and well-written...I wish I had this book from the beginning of my teaching career, and you will too."Susan Fowler, Professor of Technical Communication and Usability, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, New York"Sally Fincher and her colleagues have assembled a cornucopia of practical advice and case studies, solidly referenced. This is the source book on using projects in computer science education."David Baume, Director of Teaching Development, Centre for Higher Education Practice, The Open University, UK"...very well-researched, it covers all the aspects, from the allocation of projects and teams, to managing the project process, assessing projects, and so on.....It will prove invaluable to all lecturers involved in teaching computing...."Professor Mike Holcombe, University of Sheffield, UK

Computer Science Project Work: Principles and Pragmatics is essential reading for lecturers and course designers who want to improve their handling of project work on specific courses, and deans and department heads who are interested in strategic issues and comparative practices. It explores working practices within the curriculum and provides a resource of guidelines and practical advice, including tried and tested "good ideas" and case studies of innovative practices.It looks at different approaches to key aspects of project work such as:- Allocation- Supervision- Assessment Integration with the curriculumand allows readers to "mix and match" approaches to create a system which suits their individual needs."Computer Science Project Work: Principles and Pragmatics is passionate, well-researched, and well-written...I wish I had this book from the beginning of my teaching career, and you will too."Susan Fowler, Professor of Technical Communication and Usability, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, New York"Sally Fincher and her colleagues have assembled a cornucopia of practical advice and case studies, solidly referenced.This is the source book on using projects in computer science education."David Baume, Director of Teaching Development, Centre for Higher Education Practice, The Open University, UK"...very well-researched, it covers all the aspects, from the allocation of projects and teams, to managing the project process, assessing projects, and so on...It will prove invaluable to all lecturers involved in teaching computing..."Professor Mike Holcombe, University of Sheffield, UK

This volume contains the full papers presented at HCI 2004, the 18th Annual Conference of the British HCI Group, a specialist group of the British Computer Society. People and Computers XVIII includes leading edge discussions outlining the latest research results and novel systems from the foremost research and development groups and laboratories throughout the UK and Europe. Themes covered include mobile devices, multimedia and hypermedia, wireless applications, collaborative working, graphics and virtual reality. The papers presented in this volume aim to have a strong industrial and commercial focus including contributions from leading figures from both the research and business sectors. This years theme, Design for Life, focuses on quality applications that make a difference to real people such as: Interactive technology supporting work, leisure, health, education and communities; universal design that recognizes diverse user groups, including younger and older users, and wider global markets; sustainable development.