Abstract
Computer science is an experimental science, in the same sense that biology or physics are experimental sciences. Nonetheless, lab exercises for CS1 and CS2 courses are almost never formal “experiments” as the term would be understood in any other science. This paper describes our experiences using formal experiments in CS1 and 2 laboratories. Such exercises are extremely valuable, in part because they help students relate abstract concepts to concrete programs, but more importantly because they lead students into new areas of computing, and even new forms of learning.
- 1 Chavey, D. "A Structured Laboratory Component for the Introductory Programming Course". Proceedings of the Twenty-Second SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Mar. 1991 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Mar. 1991). pp. 287-295.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 2 Collins, W. "Estimating Execution Times: A Laboratory Exercise for CS2". Proceedings of the Twenty-Second SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Mar. 1991 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Mar. 1991). pp. 358-363.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 3 Dale, N. A Laboratory Course in Pascal D. C. Heath and Co., Lexington, Ma. 1991.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 4 Denning, P. (ed.) "Computing as a Discipline". Corrununications of the ACM, Jan. 1989 (32:1). pp. 9-23.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 5 Gibbs, N. and A. Tucker. "A Model Curriculum for a Liberal Arts Degree in Computer Science". Communications of the ACM, Mar. 1986 (29:3). pp. 202-210.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 6 Joyce, D. "'A Virtual Lab to Accompany CSI and CS2". Proceedings of the SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Feb. 1990 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Feb. 1990). pp. 40-43.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 7 McCracken, D. "'Three Lab Assignments for an Algorithms Course". SIGCSE Bulletin, June 1989 (21:2). pp. 61-64.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 8 Naps, T. "Algorithm Visualization in Computer Science Laboratories". Proceedings of the SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Feb. 1990 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Feb. 1990). pp. 105-110.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 9 Parker, J. et al. "Laboratories in the Computer Science Curriculum". Computer Science Education, 1990 (1:3). pp. 205-221.]]Google Scholar
Cross Ref
- 10 Penny, J. and P. Ashton. "Laboratory-Style Teaching of Computer Science". Proceedings of the SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Feb. 1990 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Feb. 1990). pp. 192-196.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
- 11 Struble, O. "Most Effective Lab Exercises". Computer Science Education. (A regular feature presenting laboratory exercises contributed by computer science educators).]]Google Scholar
- 12 Struble, G. with C. Nevison. "Most Effective Lab Exercises". Computer Science Education, 1990 (1:4). pp. 375-386.]]Google Scholar
- 13 Tucker, A. (ed.) "Computing Curricula '91: Report of the ACM/IEEE Joint Curriculum Task Force". ACM Press, 1991.]] Google Scholar
- 14 Wenner, P. "The Laboratory Component of a Computer Organization Course". Proceedings of the SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Feb. 1990 (SIGCSE Bulletin, Feb. 1990). pp. 197-200.]] Google Scholar
Digital Library
Index Terms
Using scientific experiments in early computer science laboratories
Recommendations
Using scientific experiments in early computer science laboratories
SIGCSE '92: Proceedings of the twenty-third SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science educationComputer science is an experimental science, in the same sense that biology or physics are experimental sciences. Nonetheless, lab exercises for CS1 and CS2 courses are almost never formal “experiments” as the term would be understood in any other ...
Conducting experiments with Experiment Manager
WSC '96: Proceedings of the 28th conference on Winter simulationThis tutorial demonstrates how to conduct experiments and perform analysis with Experiment Manager, CACI's tool for design and analysis of simulation experiments. Experiment Manager works in conjunction with SIMPROCESS and provides a quick and object ...
On Objectives of Instructional Laboratories, Individual Assessment, and Use of Collaborative Remote Laboratories
Three key issues should be addressed to enable universities to deliver engineers who have a solid documented laboratory experience enabling them to design goods and services complying with the requirements of a sustainable society. First, introduce ...






Comments