Rpp Panel Chicago: History Of Cafecs, Lucia Dettori, Dale Reed, Steven Mcgee, Don Yanek, Andrew Rasmussen, Ronald Greenberg
Mar 2018
Rpp Panel Chicago: History Of Cafecs, Lucia Dettori, Dale Reed, Steven Mcgee, Don Yanek, Andrew Rasmussen, Ronald Greenberg
Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works
No abstract provided.
Information Technology And Computer Science Programs: How Do We Relate?, Bonnie K. Mackellar, Gregory Hislop, Mihaela C. Sabin, Amber Settle
Sep 2015
Information Technology And Computer Science Programs: How Do We Relate?, Bonnie K. Mackellar, Gregory Hislop, Mihaela C. Sabin, Amber Settle
Amber Settle
In this panel session, the relationship between computer science programs and information technology programs at universities that house both will be explored. People outside the computing disciplines often find the distinction between these programs confusing. The panelists, who have experience with both types of program, will discuss strategies for differentiating the programs in the eyes of administrators, for advising students into the correct program, and for maintaining focus and excellence in both computer science and information technology programs.
A Computer Science Linked-Courses Learning Community, Amber Settle, John Lalor, Theresa Steinbach
Jun 2015
A Computer Science Linked-Courses Learning Community, Amber Settle, John Lalor, Theresa Steinbach
Amber Settle
Previous work has shown that factors such as student engagement and involvement can impact progress for computer science majors. One promising approach for improving student engagement is learning communities, which have a long history in academia but are relatively uncommon in computing. In this article we describe a linked-courses learning community for women and men of color majoring in development-focused computing degrees. We provide logistical information about the first offering of the learning community and assess the effectiveness of the community via a student survey. Our results show that students in the learning community are more likely to report that …
Reconsidering The Impact Of Cs1 On Novice Attitudes, Amber Settle, John Lalor, Theresa Steinbach
Feb 2015
Reconsidering The Impact Of Cs1 On Novice Attitudes, Amber Settle, John Lalor, Theresa Steinbach
Amber Settle
Student success in an introductory programing course is crucial, both because it influences retention and because student attitudes and habits in a first course can have a lasting impact on student success in computer science as a field. In this paper we present results about student attitudes and habits before and after a CS1 class. Statistically significant attitude differences were found in three areas: students were less likely to report they were good at programming, more likely to agree they are challenged by programming problems they can't understand immediately, and are less likely to report that computer science allows them …
Session E-1: Hiding In Plain Sight, Micah Fogel
Mar 2013
Session E-1: Hiding In Plain Sight, Micah Fogel
Professional Learning Day
Were the plays of William Shakespeare really written by Francis Bacon, who left a coded signature in plain sight? Can spies send messages without using codes and without getting caught? Steganography is the art of hiding messages in plain sight but in a way so that only those in on the secret can find them. We'll learn a few tricks about how to hide messages in pieces of text or sound and image files on a computer.
Session F-4: Using Web Tools And Strategies To Enhance Student Engagement, Jackie Naughton, Frank Tomsic
Mar 2013
Session F-4: Using Web Tools And Strategies To Enhance Student Engagement, Jackie Naughton, Frank Tomsic
Professional Learning Day
Web tools and strategies will be introduced and modeled. Teachers will leave this session able to immediately implement the tools and strategies in their classrooms. Participants must bring their own devices.
Best Practices In Teaching Information Technology Development, Amber Settle, Deborah Labelle, Hazem Said, Sheila S. Sicilia
Oct 2012
Best Practices In Teaching Information Technology Development, Amber Settle, Deborah Labelle, Hazem Said, Sheila S. Sicilia
Amber Settle
Programming is one of the most fundamental and central topics in the information technology curriculum. Because of its importance it is crucial to understand how to effectively teach development students. In this panel we share best practices for teaching programming to a variety of populations, including freshman, non-majors, and community college students. Various pedagogical approaches including pair programming, studiobased instruction, peer instruction, active learning, cooperative learning, project-based pedagogy, high-impact education practices, and CS Unplugged type activities are included.
Turning The Tables: Learning From Students About Teaching Cs1, Amber Settle
Oct 2012
Turning The Tables: Learning From Students About Teaching Cs1, Amber Settle
Amber Settle
Programming has a central role in the computing curriculum, and introductory programming classes have been extensively studied in the computer science education literature. However, most of the studies focus on the effectiveness of various pedagogical approaches on student learning and engagement, and relative little attention is paid to faculty development. The gap in the literature puts CS1 faculty interested in effectively implementing innovative pedagogical approaches in a difficult situation. This article argues that taking a behaviorist approach to the CS1 classroom can provide much-needed feedback. Students provide instructors with one of the best sources of information about effective programming instruction, …
Infusing Computational Thinking Into The Middle- And High-School Curriculum, Amber Settle, Baker Franke, Ruth Hansen, Frances Spaltro, Cynthia Jurisson, Colin Rennert-May, Brian Wildeman
Jul 2012
Infusing Computational Thinking Into The Middle- And High-School Curriculum, Amber Settle, Baker Franke, Ruth Hansen, Frances Spaltro, Cynthia Jurisson, Colin Rennert-May, Brian Wildeman
Amber Settle
In recent years there have been significant efforts to revamp undergraduate and K-12 curricula to emphasize computational thinking, a term popularized by Jeannette Wing in 2006. We describe work introducing and enhancing computational thinking activities and assessments in the middle- and high-school curriculum at the University of Chicago Lab Schools. In total six courses were altered as a part of the Computational Thinking across the Curriculum Project: middle-school and high-school computer science, and high-school Latin, graphic arts, English, and history. We detail the modifications to the curriculum and discuss the successes and challenges of the project.
Engaging Game Design Students Using Peer Evaluation, Amber Settle, Charles Wilcox, Chad Settle
Oct 2011
Engaging Game Design Students Using Peer Evaluation, Amber Settle, Charles Wilcox, Chad Settle
Amber Settle
Many information technology educators have worked in recent years to develop courses to attract students to the field. As faculty achieve success with technical courses designed to be appeal to a broad audience, it can be hard to maintain the initial excitement particularly as multiple sections of the courses are taught on a continuing basis. In this article we describe a project that added peer evaluation to an assessment in a game design course with a large non-major audience. While controversial, peer evaluation has shown some promise in motivating students to work harder and in improving certain key skills. Consistent …
