Another breadth-first approach to CS I using python
SIGCSE '03 Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
Redesigning introductory computer programming with HTML, JavaScript, and Java
Proceedings of the 35th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
A study of the difficulties of novice programmers
ITiCSE '05 Proceedings of the 10th annual SIGCSE conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR)
Digital support for abductive learning in introductory computing courses
Proceedings of the 38th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
Innovating introductory computer science courses: approaches and comparisons
ACM-SE 45 Proceedings of the 45th annual southeast regional conference
Python image processing in a computer literacy course
Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
Teaching an object-oriented CS1 -: with Python
Proceedings of the 13th annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Digital CS1 study pack based on Moodle and Python
Proceedings of the 13th annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Students' perceptions of python as a first programming language at wits
Proceedings of the 13th annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
ICER '08 Proceedings of the Fourth international Workshop on Computing Education Research
Lower dropout rates and better grades through revised course infrastructure
CATE '07 Proceedings of the 10th IASTED International Conference on Computers and Advanced Technology in Education
Enjoying Python, processing, and Java in CS1
ACM Inroads
μPython: non-majors programming from the very first lecture
Proceedings of the 17th ACM annual conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
Studio-based learning and app inventor for android in an introductory CS course for non-majors
Proceeding of the 44th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education
Improving mathematics and programming education: the IMPEd initiative
Koli Calling '07 Proceedings of the Seventh Baltic Sea Conference on Computing Education Research - Volume 88
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The emphasis on Java and other commercial languages in CS1 has established the perception of computer science as a dry and technically difficult discipline among undecided students who are still seeking careers. This may not be a big problem during an enrolment boom, but in times of decreased enrolment such negative perception may have a devastating effect on computer science programs and therefore should not be ignored. We have made our CS1 course offerings more attractive to students (1) by introducing an easy to learn yet effective scripting language - Python, (2) by making all course resources available in a comprehensive online study pack, and (3) by offering an extensive set of detailed and easy to follow self-guided labs. Our custom-designed online study pack comprises a wealth of new, original learning modules: extensive e-texts, detailed self-guided labs, numerous sample programs, quizzes, and slides. Our recent student survey demonstrates that students like and prefer Python as a first language and that they also percept the online study pack as very beneficial. Our "Python First" course, originally required for computer science majors, has been so well received that it has been recently approved as a general education science elective, thus opening new recruitment opportunities for the computer science major. Our "Python First" digital pack is published online at http://studypack.com.