Adding Fourth Generation Language and Real-time Concepts to an Introductory Computer Science Course

该项目对该机构的入门级计算机科学课程进行了大胆的改革，该课程是根据ACM课程'78指南的建议设计的。与几乎完全集中于第三代编程语言教学的传统课程不同，新课程首先让学生使用第四代特定应用语言解决复杂问题。然后，他们利用实时数据采集实验室的经验，通过数据库和图形概念的进展。该课程包括第三代编程语言的教学，但全面的用户友好工具大大缩短了学生达到高水平编程熟练程度所需的时间。支持本项目的实验室环境包括：MAC II工作站，由AppleTalk局域网软件和硬件连接，专用MAC II文件服务器，Imagewriter LQ打印机，以及将配置连接到数字化仪，a /D-D/ a转换器，图形打印机和绘图仪的仪器接口。本课程的学生对计算机的能力有了更广泛的了解，并获得了宝贵的经验，可以将这些见解运用到比大多数入门课程更有用和更现实的问题上。这笔奖金将由受资助者提供等额的奖金。

This project introduces bold changes to the introductory- level computer science course at this institution, a course patterned on the recommendations of the ACM Curriculum '78 guidelines. Unlike traditional courses that concentrate almost entirely on the teaching of a third generation programming language, the new course first has the students solve complex problems using fourth-generation application specific languages. They then progress through database and graphics concepts utilizing a real- time data acquisition laboratory experience. The course includes the teaching of a third generation programming language but comprehensive user-friendly tools drastically shorten the time needed for students to achieve a high level of programming proficiency. The laboratory environment that supports this project includes: MAC II workstations, connected by AppleTalk local area network software and hardware, a dedicated MAC II fileserver, an Imagewriter LQ printer, and, instrument interfaces to connect the configuration to digitizers, A/D-D/A converters, graphic printers and plotters. Students in this course achieve a broader understanding of the capabilities of computers and gain valuable experience in exercising these insights on problems of a more useful and realistic scale than is possible in most introductory courses. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.