Materials for a Discovery-Based Approach to Introductory Computing for Non-Majors

大多数计算机科学教师都同意使用结构化实验室来提供实践活动和突出计算应用的项目的重要性。 因此，计算科学，即发现过程，必须通过不同的手段来解决。 这个概念验证项目正在开发一系列基于交互式发现的学习模块，以增强非专业的入门计算课程。这些模块的目的是让学生在充分互动的课前探索一个主题或主题将在随后的课堂会议讨论。 它们是利用万维网的交互能力部署的。 学习模块允许教师在不牺牲核心内容的重要重点的情况下，将有意义的探索经验纳入计算科学。 它们提供一种以发现为基础的学习方法，使学生更深入地了解计算机，目前正在通过一个网站和编写一本教科书来分发材料。 评估是作为一个对照实验进行的，以评估学生学习的改善情况。

Most computer science instructors agree upon the importance of using structured laboratories to provide hands-on activities and projects highlighting the applications of computing. As the consequence, the science of computing, that is, the discovery process, must be addressed by different means. This proof-of-concept project is developing a series of interactive discovery-based learning modules to augment the introductory computing course for non-majors. These modules are designed to engage the student in a fully interactive pre-lecture exploration of a topic or topics to be discussed in subsequent classroom meetings. They are deployed using the interactive capabilities of the World Wide Web. The learning modules allow instructors to incorporate meaningful exploratory experiences in the science of computing without sacrificing the important focus of core content. They provide a discovery-based learning approach that provides students with a deeper introduction to computing.Materials are being disseminated through a web site and through the development of a textbook. The evaluation is being conducted as a controlled experiment to assess improvement in student learning.