Collaborative Research: Planning grant: CS4All: Computer Science for All

罗切斯特理工学院与奥本大学、卡内基梅隆大学和TERC合作，提出了一个长达数年的迭代过程的初始阶段，为中学到大学早期的学生开发一个基于证据的、教学上合理的计算轨迹。该项目基于使用Microsoft Kodu、Alice和Tekkotsu编程框架的一种新颖的三阶段编程指令模型。它将解决以下问题：——所提出的编程教学的三阶段模型能否加速学生掌握计算思维的进程？—学生能否通过学习在不同环境下，即在不同的软件框架中，或在像CS Unplugged这样的动觉学习活动中，对相同思想的实现进行明确的类比，从而加深对计算机科学概念的理解？如何使编程环境更容易为有残疾的学生使用，如视力障碍、失聪/听力障碍、行动障碍（如脑瘫）或学习和认知障碍（如自闭症或ADD）？最后一个问题将与Microsoft FUSE实验室合作解决，以增强Kodu的可访问性，并继续开发BridgIT， BridgIT是Alice的替代方案，在设计时考虑了可访问性。这项计划拨款将对这些问题进行初步研究，在为期一周的学生夏令营和为期两天的K-12教师讲习班中收集试点数据。该奖项将允许pi完善他们的假设，进行试点实验，加深与学术和行业合作伙伴的关系，并制定最终完整提案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.