Program Visualization Using Virtual Worlds

该项目使用高影响、高兴趣的程序可视化环境Alice，向初级程序员介绍基本编程概念(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的强大核心。它解决了计算机科学专业学生在第一年学习期间的高流失率问题，以及在计算机知识和服务课程中教授编程的创新材料和战略的需要。不幸的是，非计算机科学专业的学生对编程课程的态度往往很差，计算机科学专业的女性入学人数一直在下降。之前NSF概念验证项目的结果包括证据表明，这种方法可以显着提高高风险CS专业学生在第一年的成绩和留存率。也有轶事证据表明，这种方法激发了学生的兴趣，并激发了妇女和少数民族的积极态度。以前的工作已经产生了一个教学材料的原型和一本与Alice高兴趣软件环境协同工作的教科书。原型材料已经过初步测试和同行评审。其他教职员工已经成功地使用了这些材料，但除了试点项目之外，还没有进行正式的测试。因此，该项目包括在项目的第一年和第二年在区域试验场使用和正式测试经修订的材料。地区考点位于不同类型的机构，服务于不同背景和职业目标的学生。

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.