Beyond the cliche, mathematical fluency, in the computing curriculum

ACM Inroads ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-26
Author(s):  
Henry M. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Fluency ◽  
Computing Curriculum

Learning to program with Game Maker

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Computer Games ◽  
Computer Game ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Pair Group ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Programming Software ◽  
Constructionist Approach ◽  
South East England ◽  
Computing Curriculum

Game Maker is widely used in UK secondary schools, yet under-researched in that context. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative case study that explores how authoring computer games using Game Maker can support the learning of basic programming concepts in a mainstream UK secondary setting.  The research draws on the learning theory of constructionism, which asserts the importance of pupils using computers as ‘building material’ to create digital artefacts (Papert, 1980; Harel and Papert, 1991), and considers the extent to which a constructionist approach is suitable for introducing basic programming concepts within a contemporary, game authoring context.  The research was conducted in a high achieving comprehensive school in South East England. Twenty-two pupils (12 boys; 10 girls; 13-14 years old) completed a unit of work in computer game authoring over an eight-week (16 x 50 minute lessons) period. In planning and developing their games, they worked in self-selected pairs, apart from two pupils (one boy and one girl) who worked alone, by choice. Nine of the ten pairs were the same gender. Data were collected in planning documents, journals and the games pupils made, in recordings of their working conversations, and in pair, group and artefact-based interviews. Findings indicate that as well as learning some basic programming concepts, pupils enjoyed the constructionist-designed activity, demonstrated positive attitudes to their work, and felt a sense of achievement in creating a complex artefact that had personal and cultural significance for them. However, the findings also suggest that the constructionist approach adopted in the research did not effectively support the learning of programming concepts for all pupils. This research arises out of a perceived need to develop accessible, extended units of work to implement aspects of the Computing curriculum in England. It suggests that using Game Maker may offer a viable entry, and identifies the programming concepts and practices which pupils encountered, the difficulties they experienced, and the errors they made when authoring computer games. It also offers recommendations to increase the readiness with which students engage with key programming concepts and practices when using this visual programming software. In so doing it makes a practical contribution to the field of qualitative research in secondary computing education. 

scholarly journals Serious Games and Mathematical Fluency: A Study from the Gender Perspective in Primary Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6586
Author(s):  
Fernando Fraga-Varela ◽  
Esther Vila-Couñago ◽  
Ana Rodríguez-Groba
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
School Performance ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Opportunities For Learning ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mathematical Fluency ◽  
Clear Relation

In recent years, serious games offer great opportunities for learning processes at schools. However, it is unclear whether this type of proposals can offer differentiated answers among the students according to their gender. In this context, the aim of this paper is to know the possible differences that occur in primary school classrooms according to gender, with serious games designed for the development of mathematical fluency, and to examine to what extent these games contribute to the overall school performance. We carried out a quasi-experimental study, including pretest and posttest, without control group and with several experimental groups, and the participation of 284 students from first to fourth grade. The results show that the software benefits boys and girls equally, compared to the previously followed methodology that benefited boys. A clear relation between the results achieved and the performance in the overall students’ grades has also been observed. The conclusions show the potential of serious games in school settings, and the opportunity to approach performance differences based on the gender.

Historical perspectives on the computing curriculum

1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 94-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iouri A. Bogoiavlenski ◽  
A. G. Clear ◽  
Gordon Davies ◽  
Hans Flack ◽  
J. Paul Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
Computing Curriculum

Girls Build Excitement for Math from Scratch

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 408-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Amador ◽  
Terence Soule
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Mathematical Fluency

To increase digital literacy and mathematical fluency, students electronically piece together details of computer coding by creating and animating sprites.

scholarly journals Mathematical fluency in high school students

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana N. Tikhomirova ◽  
Sergey B. Malykh
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mathematical Fluency

scholarly journals Effective Assessment of Workplace Problem-Solving in Higher Education

10.28945/4496 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 001-016
Author(s):  
Maurice M. Danaher ◽  
Kevin Schoepp
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Asynchronous Discussion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Asynchronous Discussion Board ◽  
Computing Curriculum

Aim/Purpose: Within higher education, graduating students who are able to solve ill-structured, complex, open-ended, and collaborative, workplace problems is recognized as paramount. Because of this, there is a need to assess this skill across the curriculum. Background: This paper addresses this issue by assessing problem-solving across a computing curriculum using an assessment instrument shown to be reliable and valid. Methodology: The method is based upon the implementation of the assessment instrument that uses a scenario-based asynchronous discussion board measuring the ability of student groups to solve workplace problems. The sample are computing students from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, and master’s levels at a UAE university. Contribution: This paper shows the problem-solving skills of students over four years of study across a computing curriculum and demonstrates the effectiveness of the instrument. Findings: There was a general increase in student problem-solving performance from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th year, and master’s levels, but students often failed to meet the expected level of performance for their year of study. In addition, the instrument was effective in assessing problem-solving. Recommendations for Practitioners: This assessment instrument, or one similar, that uses a scenario-based asynchronous discussion board can be used to measure the ability of student groups to solve workplace problems. Impact on Society: Students must be prepared to solve workplace problems to meet the needs of 21st century employment. Future Research: Further research should be conducted with this assessment instrument, or one similar, outside of this fairly unique UAE- based context.

Closing the Gap: Preparing Computing Students for Employment through Embedding Work-Related Learning in the Taught Curriculum

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine McKinnon ◽  
June McCrae
Keyword(s):  
Student Feedback ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Computing Curriculum ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents the findings from a pilot study which explored the impact of embedding work-related learning activities in the first-year computing curriculum at Glasgow Caledonian University. Students worked in teams on practical projects which were formally assessed and the researchers gathered student feedback using two online surveys (n=159) and focus groups (n=29). The findings indicate that 85% of the students felt that their learning on the module had improved their employability skills but that their confidence levels in most skills were lower at the end of the module. The paper suggests that first-year students' realistic awareness of their own skills gaps leads to more focused learning in their remaining years of study.

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