Expanding student enthusiasm for, and understanding of, introductory CS: panel discussion
Bridget Bos Baird, Martin Allen, Christine Chung, Norman Danner, Madalene Spezialetti · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2010
Professors in computer science are challenged by the wish to make CS1 courses more appealing to a broader audience, both to induce more students to enter computer science and also to open up students to the possibilities of the field. This challenge is especially acute when it comes to underrepresented groups. The panelists come from three liberal arts colleges that have formed a consortium in computer science to examine topics of mutual interest. Among other activities, the three departments have shared a number of postdoctoral fellows, expanding the range of approaches brought to their research and teaching. Further, they have collaborated on a number of initiatives to clarify what a liberal arts degree in computer science should look like, and to deepen and diversify their curricula, particularly at the introductory CS1 level. While the panelists all come from liberal arts environments, they have different approaches to the CS1 course. During the course of this panel they will discuss their views and experiences on the following list of topics: • What languages and lab structure hinder or help students to understand the concepts of CS? • What techniques hinder/help women and other underrepresented groups to both understand and enjoy the CS1 course? • It is often the case that there is a wide range of prior experience among students in CS1. How do we challenge and engage these students who have more technical experience without discouraging other students? • What are the markers of success in a CS1 course: taking another course, enjoying the course, future involvement in some capacity with CS, using the knowledge in another course, not being turned off? • What is the role of current technology (if any) in a CS1 course (for example, smart-phones, web apps, mashups, social networking)?