Program Visualization Using Virtual Worlds

这个项目使用了一个高影响力、高兴趣的程序可视化环境Alice，向初级程序员介绍了一个强大的核心基本编程概念（对象、类、方法、函数、决策、变量、参数、循环）以及解决问题和设计技术。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，以及在计算机知识和服务课程中教授编程的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通常对编程课程的态度很差，计算机科学专业的女性入学率一直在下降。美国国家科学基金会（NSF）之前的一个概念验证项目的结果表明，这种方法可以显著提高高危cs专业学生第一年的学习成绩和保留率。也有轶事证据表明，这种方法吸引了学生的兴趣，并激发了对妇女和少数民族的积极态度。以前的工作已经产生了教学材料的原型和教科书，与Alice高兴趣软件环境协同工作。原型材料已经进行了试点测试和同行评审。其他教师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修订的材料。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。

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.