Adding Fourth Generation Language and Real-time Concepts to an Introductory Computer Science Course

这个项目对该机构的计算机科学入门课程进行了大胆的改革，该课程是以ACM课程78指南的建议为蓝本的。与几乎完全专注于教授第三代编程语言的传统课程不同，新课程首先让学生使用第四代应用程序专用语言解决复杂问题。然后，他们利用实时数据采集实验室经验，在数据库和图形概念方面取得进展。该课程包括教授第三代编程语言，但全面的用户友好工具大大缩短了学生达到高水平编程所需的时间。支持该项目的实验室环境包括：通过AppleTalk局域网软件和硬件连接的Mac II工作站、专用的MAC II文件服务器、Imagewriter LQ打印机，以及将配置连接到数字化仪、A/D-D/A转换器、图形打印机和绘图仪的仪器接口。本课程的学生能够对计算机的功能有更广泛的了解，并在实践这些洞察力方面获得宝贵的经验，这些洞察力比大多数入门课程中更有用和更现实的规模。这笔奖金将由受赠人支付等额的奖金。

This project introduces bold changes to the introductory- level computer science course at this institution, a course patterned on the recommendations of the ACM Curriculum '78 guidelines. Unlike traditional courses that concentrate almost entirely on the teaching of a third generation programming language, the new course first has the students solve complex problems using fourth-generation application specific languages. They then progress through database and graphics concepts utilizing a real- time data acquisition laboratory experience. The course includes the teaching of a third generation programming language but comprehensive user-friendly tools drastically shorten the time needed for students to achieve a high level of programming proficiency. The laboratory environment that supports this project includes: MAC II workstations, connected by AppleTalk local area network software and hardware, a dedicated MAC II fileserver, an Imagewriter LQ printer, and, instrument interfaces to connect the configuration to digitizers, A/D-D/A converters, graphic printers and plotters. Students in this course achieve a broader understanding of the capabilities of computers and gain valuable experience in exercising these insights on problems of a more useful and realistic scale than is possible in most introductory courses. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.