Collaborative Research: Transforming Computer Science Education with Microlabs

这个为期两年的项目正在评估微型实验室学习周期的效果。微实验室学习周期是基于面向过程的指导性探究学习(POGIL)的一种创新的主动学习方法。在学习周期中，学生探索引导发现的问题。然后，讲师在课堂上介绍主题，学生将所学知识应用到相关问题中。微型实验室是在讲座期间完成的10-15分钟的基于计算机的活动。在逻辑微型实验室中，学生被要求通过使用图形输入工具输入他们的答案并将他们的答案提交到自动评分系统来解决问题。在一个编程微型实验室里，学生们被要求完成一个使用自动评分的基本程序。微实验室学习周期的基础是在探索阶段使用逻辑微实验室，在应用阶段对微实验室进行编程。正在使用正式的评价方法来证明微型实验室学习周期的有效性。包括HBCU在内的几所大学的教职员工最初使用传统的讲授方式教授目标主题。在课程的下一次授课中，他们将使用微型实验室学习周期方法。学生在这两个方面都在解决类似的问题，外部评估者正在衡量学习结果。教师参与者和学生被要求使用微型实验室报告他们的经历。一种“基于云”的方法允许任何能够连接到互联网的人访问学习材料。主要研究人员正在提交论文并举办研讨会，以促进利用微型实验室进行主动学习。

This two-year project is evaluating the efficacy of the Microlab Learning Cycle. The Microlab Learning Cycle is an innovative approach to active learning based on Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). During the learning cycle, students explore a problem with guided discovery. The instructor then introduces the topic in lecture and students apply this knowledge to related problems. Microlabs are 10-15 minute computer-based activities that are completed during lecture. In a logical microlab, students are asked to solve a problem by entering their answers using a graphical input tool and submitting their solutions to an automated grading system. In a programming microlab, students are asked to complete a skeleton program that uses automated grading. The Microlab Learning Cycle is based on using logical microlabs during the exploration phase and programming microlabs during the application phase. Formal evaluation methodologies are being used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Microlab Learning Cycle. Faculty participants at several universities, including HBCUs, are initially teaching the target topics using traditional lecture. During the next offering of the course they are using the microlab learning cycle approach. Students are solving similar problems in both terms and an external evaluator is measuring the learning outcomes. Faculty participants and students are being asked to report on their experiences using microlabs.A "cloud-based" approach allows access to the learning materials to anyone with Internet access. The principal investigators are presenting papers and offering workshops to promote active learning using microlabs.