COMPUTER SCIENCE CURRICULUM WORKSHOP

Date: Friday, January 9, 1998
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Howard University, Washington D. C.

Theme:

Better Preparing and Retaining Disadvantaged Students in Computer Science by Focusing on Introductory Core Courses in Computer Science

Sponsors:

ADMI (Association of Computer and Information Science/Engineering Departments at Minority institutions) and HURSAP (Howard University Republic of South Africa Project)

This is a one day workshop on the introductory courses in Computer Science. The morning session will address CS1 - Introduction to programming and problem solving. The afternoon session will address CS2 - Data Structures and Algorithms. Both sessions will include formal presentations by invited panelists. All other participants will be afforded the opportunity to present information. The focus will be on exchanging information and planning for future collaboration. To assure the effectiveness of this workshop we are limiting the number of participants. Those interested in participating should respond by email to [email protected] no later than December 20, 1997.

Issues to be addressed will include:

  1. Goals/objectives for CS1 - CS2? How closely should we follow ACM guidelines?
  2. Programming environments and lab structure (open or closed).
  3. Language(s) of instruction - key features, language selection, language paradigm.
  4. What is the most effective approach to programming assignments?
  5. How can computer aided instruction be used?
  6. Selecting and using the best texts and course materials.
  7. Developing, maintaining and sharing a database of course materials.

Intended Participants: Computer science faculty from minority institutions in the Virginia, D. C., Maryland and Delaware area with an interest in the introductory courses covered in the first two years at our institutions, as well as faculty with an interest in curriculum development focusing on disadvantaged students. Special invitations have been extended to faculty from the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape. Both are historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) in South Africa and are part of a partnering relationship with Howard University. Invitations have been extended to eight other Universities in South Africa, which have an established relationship with Howard University through HURSAP.