Sarah Matzko

a first step

A new approach to the design of the computing curriculum for a Bachelor of Arts degree is described. The approach relies extensively on problem-based instruction and computer graphics to teach key concepts in computer science. The novelty arises from the magnitude and origin of the problems to be integrated into the curriculum and the breadth of the impact across the curriculum. Results from a trial course, the first experiment with the new approach, are described. The course, Tools and Techniques for Software Development, is a sophomore-level course in programming methodology. Construction of a ray-tracing system (for generating synthetic images) was the vehicle chosen for the instruction.

Teaching CS1 with graphics and C

The goal of the τέχνη project is to teach computer science concepts more effectively by infusing large-scale problems in computer graphics into the undergraduate curriculum. Ultimately, this approach would be adopted for all computer science courses in the B.A. curriculum; currently, we are working on the foundational sequence, which includes CS1. For this first course in programming, we present our approach to teaching course concepts using real-world image processing problems in C. The results from our first semester offering are promising, as students produced excellent work and evaluated the class highly.

τεΧνη: trial phase for the new curriculum

The τεΧνη project, which provides an unusual alternative to the standard design of the computing curriculum for the bachelors degree in computer science, is now entering full-scale implementation at Clemson University. The approach relies extensively on problem-based instruction, computer graphics, and the notion of cognitive apprenticeship. The novelty arises from the magnitude and origin of the problems to be integrated into the curriculum and the breadth of impact across the curriculum. The first three courses in the new curriculum are now being taught. The design of each course is described, and preliminary assessments from earlier trial sessions of the first two courses are offered.