Implementing CS1 With Embedded Instructional Research Design in Laboratories

Abstract

Abstract-Closed laboratories are becoming an increasingly popular approach to teaching introductory computer science courses. Unlike open laboratories that tend to be an informal environment provided for students to practice their skills with attendance optional, closed laboratories are structured meeting times that support the lecture component of the course, and attendance is required. This paper reports on an integrated approach to designing, implementing, and assessing laboratories with an embedded instructional research design. The activities reported here are parts of a departmentwide effort not only to improve student learning in computer science and computer engineering (CE) but also to improve the agility of the Computer Science and Engineering Department in adapting the curriculum to changing technologies, incorporate research, and validate the instructional strategies used. This paper presents the design and implementation of the laboratories and the results and analysis of student performance. Also described in this paper is cooperative learning in the laboratories and its impact on student learning.

Information Technologies Supporting Learning

“…For example for virtual laboratories (Lang, 2006), it seems reasonable to introduce a system of reserve management to monitor the slot of time during which one can use a remote laboratory (Dominguez, 2005). These laboratories use real instrumentation which is limited, so then there must be a system of reserve them (Figure 7).…”

Active Learning Methodologies for Teaching Programming in Undergraduate Courses: A Systematic Mapping Study

“…Analyzing the Computer Science (CS) curriculum, we perceive that the introductory CS courses (CS0, CS1, and/or CS2) provide the understanding of fundamental program-ming topics for the students (Lang et al, 2006). Typically, they are curricular units that promote the initial contact of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate students with computational thinking and programming languages.…”

Design and implementation of modular test equipment for process measurements in mechatronics education

“…Engineering education is divided into two parts as theoretical and practical [20]. Practical laboratory experiments and applications play an important role in engineering education [14]. Particularly due to the changes in electronic systems, it is understood that practical education should be emphasized instead of traditional teaching methods and students' thinking and understanding capacities should be increased to achieve success in engineering education [6].…”

“…For this purpose, opportunities should be created for instructors to prepare their own curricula and to try new methods with developments in digital design and electronic systems [16]. Practical training in engineering is carried out at various universities in the world with various teaching methods and laboratory studies [14]. In this study, an experimental setup was designed in which practical training could be given.…”