Transforming Introductory Computer Science Projects via Real-TimeWeb Data

该项目通过扩大对成功的BusTracker.edu API的支持，创建了一个教育软件基础设施，以支持使用实时基于Web的数据的计算机编程项目，以更好地吸引和培训计算机科学入门学生。可通过Web访问的实时数据的示例包括股票价值、交通信息、天气、公共交通、航班信息、库存概览等许多其他信息。该基础设施确保了必要的数据可用性、完整性和可访问性，并实现了评分技术的自动化。通过在入门课上为学生带来真正感兴趣的实时数据，预计将有更多学生被计算机科学专业录取并留住。新的程式设计项目亦提供机会，让学生及早认识分布式计算和数码物理系统等先进概念，从而为他们作好准备，迎接资讯科技工作环境的新挑战。除了基础设施外，该计划亦会利用适合中一及中二课程的基础设施，制作一套程式设计作业。评估既包括新系统，也包括使用新系统对学生学习结果和留存的影响。基础设施将通过一个专门的网站提供，一些研讨会将帮助教师在他们的课程中学习使用新系统。

This project creates an educational software infrastructure by broadening the support for the successful BusTracker.edu API to support computer programming projects that use real-time Web-based data to better engage and better train introductory computer science students. Examples of real-time data accessible over the Web include stock values, traffic information, weather, public transit, flight information, inventory overviews, and many others. The infrastructure ensures the requisite data availability, integrity, and accessibility, as well as automates grading techniques.By bringing real-world, real-time data of intrinsic interest to students in introductory classes, more students are expected to be recruited into and retained in the computer science major. The new programming projects also provide an opportunity to introduce students earlier to advanced concepts such as distributed computing and cyber-physical systems, thereby better preparing them to meet the emerging challenges of the IT workplace.In addition to the infrastructure, the project will produce a set of programming assignments using the infrastructure suitable for CS 1 and CS 2 courses. Evaluation encompasses both the new system, as well as the effect of its use on student learning outcomes and on retention. The infrastructure will be available through a dedicated website and a number of workshops will assist faculty in learning to use the new system in their courses.