A Computer Lab For an Integrated, Introductory Mathematics and Computer Science Course

这个为期两年的项目将开发和实施一个6小时的数学和计算机科学综合大学入门课程。本课程在个人计算机实验室环境中进行，以活动为导向，教授是促进者，而不是知识传播者和讲师。这门课程将通过学生项目和实验活动教授团队合作和沟通技能，以及科学探究意识。学生将发展计算机软件的技能和判断力，在数学内容和解决问题的背景下使用它们，以提高他们的量化素养。该课程将定制和扩展数学和计算机科学5的示范入门课程，并适应私人投资经理在微积分和其他课程中使用的成功的课程改革原则。来自数学薄弱和技术弱势背景的大一学生将被鼓励选修这门课程，让他们在大学生活中有一个“跳跃”。特别是，数学和信息科学系将与山姆·休斯顿州立大学针对高危学生的集群计划合作。该项目将根据学生的保留、态度和在随后的计算机科学、数学和科学课程中的成功情况进行评估。将与目前的数学和计算机科学通识教育课程进行比较。项目材料和评估将通过一系列会议报告、出版物和网站进行传播。

This two-year project will develop and implement a 6-hour integrated, introductory college course in mathematics and computer science. Conducted in a PC laboratory setting, this course will be activity driven, with the professor as facilitator rather than knowledge dispenser and lecturer. The course will teach teamwork and communication skills, and a sense of scientific inquiry through student projects and lab activities. Students will develop computer software skills and judgment in using them within a context of mathematical content and problem solving to increase their quantitative literacy. The course will customize and extend exemplary introductory courses in mathematics and computer science 5 , and adapt successful curricular reform principles used by the PIs in calculus and other courses. Freshman students from mathematically weak and technologically disadvantaged backgrounds will be encouraged to take this course, giving them a "jumpstart" in their collegiate experience. In particular, the Mathematical and Information Sciences Department will work with the Sam Houston State University cluster program for at-risk students. The project will be evaluated on the basis of student retention, attitudes, and success in subsequent computer science, mathematics and science courses. Comparisons with the current general education classes in mathematics and computer science will be made. The project materials and evaluation will be disseminated through a series of conference presentations, publications, and web sites.