Program Visualization Using Virtual Worlds

使用虚拟世界进行程序可视化

• 批准号: 0339734
• 负责人: Stephen Cooper
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: St Joseph's University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-06-01 至 2007-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0339734&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Program; Visualization; Using; Virtual; Worlds

This project uses a high-impact, high-interest program visualization environment, Alice, to introduce a strong core of fundamental programming concepts (objects, classes, methods, functions, decisions, variables, parameters, loops) and problem-solving and design techniques to beginning programmers. It addresses the high attrition rate of computer science majors during their first year of study as well as the need for innovative materials and strategies for teaching programming in computer literacy and service courses. Unfortunately, students who are not computer science majors often have poor attitudes toward programming courses and the enrollment of women in computer science has been declining. The results of a previous NSF proof-of-concept project includes evidence that this approach can significantly improve achievement and retention of high-risk CS-majors during their first year. There is also anecdotal evidence that this approach captures student interest and motivates positive attitudes for women and minorities.Previous work has yielded a prototype of instructional materials and a textbook that work synergistically with the Alice high-interest software environment. The prototype materials have been pilot tested and peer reviewed. Other faculty members have successfully used these materials, but no formal testing has been done beyond the pilot project. Thus, the project includes using and formally testing the revised materials at regional test sites during the first and second years of the project. The regional test sites are at different types of institutions, serving students with diverse backgrounds and career goals.

该项目使用高影响力、高兴趣的程序可视化环境 Alice 来介绍基本编程概念的强大核心（对象、类、方法、函数、决策、变量、参数、循环）以及问题解决和设计技术给初级程序员。它解决了计算机科学专业学生在第一年学习期间的高退学率，以及计算机素养和服务课程中编程教学对创新材料和策略的需求。不幸的是，非计算机科学专业的学生往往对编程课程态度不佳，计算机科学专业的女性入学人数一直在下降。之前的 NSF 概念验证项目的结果表明，这种方法可以显着提高高风险计算机专业第一年的成绩和保留率。还有轶事证据表明，这种方法抓住了学生的兴趣，激发了女性和少数族裔的积极态度。之前的工作已经产生了与 Alice 高兴趣软件环境协同工作的教学材料和教科书的原型。原型材料已经过试点测试和同行评审。其他教员已成功使用这些材料，但除了试点项目外，尚未进行任何正式测试。因此，该项目包括在项目的第一年和第二年在区域测试地点使用和正式测试修订后的材料。地区考点分布在不同类型的院校，为不同背景和职业目标的学生提供服务。