R. Waldo Roth

Ethical issues related to Internet development and research

This paper discusses ethical issues concerning Internet development, presentation and research. A brief overview of the major ethical issues related to computing is followed by a discussion of ethical issues specific to the use of the Internet. We will look at the implications of these issues for particular population groups such as children, women, disabled persons, and the low socio-economic class. Finally, we offer suggestions for how these issues can be brought into the computer or information science classroom in a way that stimulates critical thinking skills.This paper discusses ethical issues concerning Internet development, presentation and research. A brief overview of the major ethical issues related to computing is followed by a discussion of ethical issues specific to the use of the Internet. We will look at the implications of these issues for particular population groups such as children, women, disabled persons, and the low socio-economic class. Finally, we offer suggestions for how these issues can be brought into the computer or information science classroom in a way that stimulates critical thinking skills.

Computer science for liberal arts colleges a report of a workshop held at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois july 12-14, 1972

In response to interest expressed at the second SIGCSE symposium in St. Louis in March, 1972, on the subject of computer science education appropriate for the liberal arts college, a workshop was held at the campus of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, July 12-14, 1972. The object of the workshop was to involve representatives from liberal arts colleges in a discussion of computer science curricula that would be relevant for such schools. In the past most of the work on computer science curricula has been done by representatives from large universities, and there has been some question as to whether such a committee could deal effectively with the problems of limited resources and talent that characterize computer science in most liberal arts colleges.

The teaching of documentation and good programming style in a liberal arts computer science program

It is apparent that good programming style and documentation standards are an integral part of the requirements of this discipline. Attempts which have been useful by the author to not only teach, but require, the use of these techniques are described in terms of both successes and failures. Samples are presented from the introductory computer science course and the senior level modeling and simulation class. These materials include skeletal programs and pseudocode which are used for illustration, student use, and evaluation. A technique used to simplify the evaluation of student programs is also presented.

Computer science undergraduate capstone course

Curriculum concerns of the computer science discipline continue to require refinements in this rapidly changing field. We have established curriculum guidelines and we have two years experience in the accrediting process of the CSAB. Remarks such as “I do not consider the topic of … to be in the computer science discipline” and “At least the topic of … is not a capstone course” are being made. The goal of this panel is to provide an open, probing platform for a discussion of the subject of a capstone course.

Students and faculty training in systems analysis

The paper describes a variety of techniques being utilized or under development to improve the education of liberal arts students and faculty in systems design and analysis including computer systems. An extensive program of faculty development plus practicum and work experiences for students are given special attention.

A computer science curriculum for a liberal arts college

This paper describes the development of a computer science major for a liberal arts college of 1400 students located in rural Central Indiana. In presenting this curriculum the paper also describes the institution for which this program has been developed; and shows the minimal and desirable personnel, equipment, and budgetary requirements needed to implement it. In addition, it attempts to justify the existence of computer science as a distinct program in the liberal arts tradition.

A comparison of recent textbooks for teaching computer ethics to undergraduates

This paper responds to the continuing teaching and learning about computer R. Waldo (VVally)Roth

Dealing with disparate audiences in computer science courses using a project group within a traditional class

A frequent problem in advanced computer science courses is having students enrolled in a single class whose backgrounds range from upper division students with significant work experience to sophomores who have completed only a few computer science courses. This paper proposes a solution to this problem by combining a research project for those advanced students within a traditional course for the remaining enrollees. Although the specific course dealt with in this instance is data communications, it is believed that the model proposed is transportable to other advanced courses in computer science which have students with varied backgrounds.

Computers and the law (An experimental undergraduate course)

At the challenge of some good students, the Information Sciences Department at Taylor University decided to offer an overview course on computers and their legal implications for computer science majors and others interested in such a perspective. A two hour selected topic course was offered in the spring of 1980 to computer science majors, but open to any students who have taken at least one computer science course and had performed well in it. This paper reviews the content, successes and failures of this experimental course, with a view to assisting others who may wish to consider such an offering in the future.