Improving Computer Science Education [Hardcover]

Improving Computer Science Educationexamines suitable theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing teaching and learning computer science.  This highly useful book provides numerous examples of practical, real world applications of major computer science information topics, such as:

 Spreadsheets
 Databases
 Programming

Each chapter concludes with a section that summarzies recommendations for teacher professional development.  Traditionally, computer science education has been skills-focused and disconnected from the reality students face after they leave the classroom.  Improving Computer Science Educationmakes the subject matter useful and meaningful by connecting it explicitly to students' everyday lives.

Part 1 Improving learning
1 Text comprehension in computer science education by Maria Grigoriadou and Alexandra Gasparinatou
2 Learning about spreadsheets by Djordje M. Kadijevich
3 Personalizing learning about databases by Peter K. Antonitsch
Part 2 Methodological perspectives
4 Visualization of programming by Mordechai Ben-Ari
5 Unplugging computer science by Tim Bell and Heidi Newton
6 Assessment of students' programs by Valentina Dagiene and Bronius Skupas
Part 3 Improving teaching
7 Three computing traditions in school computing education by Matti Tedre and Mikko Apiola
8 Applying standards to computer science education by Carsten Schulte and Mara Saeli
9 Teaching spreadsheets: A TPCK perspective by Charoula Angeli

This book helps us in addressing the needs in preparing computer science teachers. Its editors have done an excellent job of gathering some of the best in the field to tell us what they know about the challenges of students learning computer science and about approaches for teaching computer science. We have a great deal oflãl