Making Advanced Computer Science Topics More Accessible through Interactive Technologies

Autor/inn/en	Shao, Kun; Maher, Peter
Titel	Making Advanced Computer Science Topics More Accessible through Interactive Technologies
Quelle	In: Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 9 (2012) 2, S.89-99 (11 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1741-5659
DOI	10.1108/17415651211242233
Schlagwörter	Computer Assisted Instruction; Active Learning; Telecommunications; Computer Networks; Adult Students; Course Evaluation; Educational Experiments; Prior Learning; Cooperative Learning; Computer Software; Instructional Design; Web 2.0 Technologies; Computer Simulation; Information Technology; Computer Science Education; Experimental Teaching; Instructional Innovation; Educational Background; Interaction; Instructional Effectiveness; Programming; Computer Graphics; Animation; Missouri + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Computer based training; Computerunterstützter Unterricht; Aktives Lernen; Telekommunikationstechnik; Computernetz; Computernetze; Kommunikationsnetz; Adult; Adults; Student; Students; Erwachsenenalter; Studentin; Schüler; Schülerin; Schulversuch; Vorkenntnisse; Kooperatives Lernen; Lesson concept; Lessonplan; Unterrichtsentwurf; Computergrafik; Computersimulation; Informationstechnologie; Computer science lessons; Informatikunterricht; Experimentalunterricht; Experimentelle Pädagogik; Educational Innovation; Bildungsinnovation; Vorbildung; Interaktion; Unterrichtserfolg; Programmierung
Abstract	Purpose: Teaching advanced technical concepts in a computer science program to students of different technical backgrounds presents many challenges. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed experimental pedagogy in teaching advanced computer science topics, such as computer networking, telecommunications and data structures using interactive technologies involving live exercises on Windows networking, the Web 2.0 technologies YouTube and Wiki PBworks, the network simulation software Wireshark, and a Data Structure Visualizer (DSV). Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts an empirical approach. A novel method for teaching and learning using interactive technologies is demonstrated. Experiments are made through actual classroom teaching, students' participation and their team-oriented research projects. The assessments come from evaluations and analysis of each technology applied in the learning and teaching process. Findings: Using traditional teaching methodologies for advanced computer science topics such as networking, telecommunications and data structures present a great challenge to both instructors and students. Incorporating multiple interactive technologies into the computer science curriculum proves to be beneficial in bringing real-world applications to the classroom, enhancing understanding of abstraction, making advanced computer science topics easier to comprehend and more accessible to students of non-uniform backgrounds, encouraging active learning and providing students the opportunity to apply solutions to real-world problems. Research limitations/implications: The proposed approach needs more experimentation with more classes of various topics. Class time is limited for more comprehensive demonstrations and discussions. Originality/value: The paper presents an effective pedagogy in engaging learners in active, authentic and collaborative learning. (Contains 7 figures.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10