Faculty Publication: Professors of Computer Science Dianna Xu and Deepak Kumar
Updating Introductory Computer Science with Creative Computation
Authors: Xu, Dianna; Wolz, Ursula; Kumar, Deepak; Greenberg, Ira
Source: SIGCSE'18: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 49TH ACM TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM ON COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION, 167-172; 10.1145/3159450.3159539 2018
Publication Type: Proceedings Paper
Abstract: This paper reports on the results of a multi-year project in which we identified essential pedagogy and curriculum for teaching introductory computing courses focused on Creative Computation using Processing. The curriculum aligns with a traditional 'CS1' approach as well as 'AP CS A', and goes well beyond 'CS Principles' standards to teach foundations of computer science and programming. We addressed the bridge between high school and entry-level college curriculum in computer science (American freshman high school to freshman college) and demonstrated how algorithmic art provides a powerful vehicle for diverse student populations within a broad range of pedagogical frameworks ranging from traditional structured classrooms to inquiry-based student-driven project labs. A secondary result is that instructors require long-term engagement with mentors to extend their own knowledge of computing, visual arts and appropriate pedagogy.