Developing a Semi-standardized and Accessible Introduction to Computer Science Course for the SUNY System
Journal Title
Loading...
Issue Date
2014
Authors
Zhang, Sen
Reed, Howard
Marcello, Cynthia
Antonakos, James
Hoskey, Arthur
Publisher
Keywords
SUNY , State University of New York , IITG , Innovative Instructional Technology Grants , Computer Science Education , SUNY CS Gatekeeper Courses
Abstract
Until K-12 fully implements computer science (CS) education nationwide, Higher Education Institutions
(HEIs) must continue to assume an active, effective, and remedial role in bridging incoming freshmen to computer science.This paper discusses a fundamental and focused study that was conducted on the gatekeeper course offerings in CSprograms/departments and computing-relevant fields in fall 2014 semester at SUNY system. In particular, we analyzed a snapshot of the SUNY CS gatekeeper courses.
We investigated the spectrum of gatekeeper courses, recognized the diverse needs of each,
classified them into categories, and studied various aspects of the courses including their design goals, the topics of the courses, and characteristics of the courses. SUNY practices find matches from nationwide HEIs for all categories. We conclude the paper by sharing observations,thoughts and discussions
on the current situations from aholistic or systemness perspective.
Description
The SUNY system, the largest HEI in the nation, has a unique advantage to explore
semi-standardized gatekeeper CS course with the possibility to be a more transferable
model for this type of courses than before across SUNY and HEIs in general.