Collaborative Research: Transforming Computer Science Education with Microlabs

这个为期两年的项目正在评估Microlab学习周期的有效性。Microlab学习循环是一种基于过程导向的引导探究学习（POGIL）的创新主动学习方法。在学习周期中，学生通过引导发现来探索问题。 然后，教师在讲座中介绍主题，学生将这些知识应用于相关问题。 微型实验室是10-15分钟的基于计算机的活动，在讲座期间完成。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答案并将其解决方案提交给自动评分系统来解决问题。在编程微型实验室中，学生被要求完成一个使用自动评分的框架程序。Microlab学习周期基于在探索阶段使用逻辑microlab和在应用阶段编程microlab。 正在使用正式的评估方法来证明Microlab学习周期的有效性。 包括HBCUs在内的几所大学的教师参与者最初使用传统讲座教授目标主题。 在下一次课程中，他们将使用微型实验室学习周期方法。 学生们在两个学期都在解决类似的问题，外部评估人员正在衡量学习成果。 教师参与者和学生被要求报告他们使用微型实验室的经验。一种“基于云”的方法允许任何有互联网接入的人访问学习材料。主要研究人员正在提交论文并提供研讨会，以促进使用微型实验室的主动学习。

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.