Making CS0 fun: an active learning approach using toys, games and Alice

Authors:
Karen Anewalt
Affiliations:
University of Mary Washington
Venue:
Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
Year:
2008

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Abstract

The national decline in computer science enrollments has instructors everywhere searching for ways to reverse the trend. At the University of Mary Washington a new approach to CS0 was tested that focuses on making programming concepts both fun and accessible for students. The course utilized a variety of active learning techniques including kinesthetic learning activities, games, competitions, discussions, and hands-on labs to introduce the basics of computer programming, emphasize problem solving, and cover computer literacy topics. The details of these activities and an evaluation of the course are provided in this paper.