Transforming Introductory Computer Science Projects via Real-TimeWeb Data

该项目通过扩大对成功的BusTracker.edu API的支持来创建教育软件基础设施，以支持使用基于Web的实时数据的计算机编程项目，从而更好地吸引和更好地培训入门计算机科学学生。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。该基础设施确保了必要的数据可用性，完整性和可访问性，以及自动化评分技术。通过在入门课程中为学生带来真实世界的实时数据，预计将有更多的学生被录取并保留在计算机科学专业。新的程式设计项目亦让学生有机会较早认识分布式计算和网络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，该项目亦会制作一套适用于CS1和CS2课程的程式设计作业。评价既包括新系统，也包括其使用对学生学习成果和保留率的影响。该基础设施将通过一个专门的网站提供，一些讲习班将帮助教师学习在他们的课程中使用新系统。

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.