Collaborative Research: Planning Grant: Computer Science for All (CS4ALL)

罗切斯特理工学院与奥本大学、卡内基梅隆大学和TERC合作，提出了一个长达一年的迭代过程的初始阶段，以开发一种基于证据的、在教学上合理的计算轨迹，适用于从中学生到大学早期的学生。该项目基于一种新颖的三阶段编程指令模型，使用Microsoft Kodu、Alice和Tekkotsu编程框架。它将解决以下问题：--建议的编程教学三阶段模式能否加速学生掌握计算思维的进步？--学生能否通过学习在不同环境中，即在不同的软件框架中，或在CS UnPluted等动觉学习活动中实现相同思想的明确类比，来加深对计算机科学概念的理解？--如何使编程环境更容易为残疾学生提供，如视力障碍、聋哑人/听力障碍、行动障碍(例如，脑瘫)、学习和认知障碍(例如，自闭症或ADD)？最后一个问题将与微软FUSE实验室合作，对Kodu进行无障碍增强，并继续开发Bridgit，这是Alice的替代品，设计时考虑了无障碍。这笔计划拨款将在这些问题上进行初步工作，在为期一周的学生夏令营和为期两天的K-12教师研讨会上收集试点数据。该奖项将允许私人投资机构完善他们的假设，进行试点实验，加深他们与学术界和业界合作伙伴的关系，并为最终的完整提案制定所需的详细研究计划。

The Rochester institute of Technology -- in collaboration with Auburn University, Carnegie Mellon University, and TERC -- proposes the initial stages of a years-long iterative process to develop an evidence-based, pedagogically-sound computing trajectory for students in middle school through early college. The project is based on a novel three-stage model of programming instruction using the Microsoft Kodu, Alice, and Tekkotsu programming frameworks. It will address the questions:-- Can the proposed three-stage model for programming instruction, accelerate student progress on mastering computational thinking?-- Can students develop a deeper understanding of computer science concepts by learning to draw explicit analogies between realizations of the same idea in different settings, i.e., in different software frameworks, or in Kinesthetic Learning Activities like CS Unplugged?-- How can programming environments be made more accessible to students with disabilities such as visual impairment, deaf/hard of hearing, mobility impairment (e.g., cerebral palsy), or learning and cognitive impairment (e.g., autism or ADD)?The last question will be addressed in collaboration with Microsoft FUSE Labs on accessibility enhancements to Kodu, and continuing development of BridgIT, an alternative to Alice designed with accessibility in mind. This planning grant will do preliminary work on these questions, collecting pilot data at a week-long summer camp for students, and a two-day workshop for K-12 teachers. The award will allow the PIs to refine their hypotheses, conduct pilot experiments, deepen their relationships with academic and industry partners, and formulate the detailed research plan needed for the eventual full proposal.