Big Ideas Exchange: Annual Learning & Teaching Conference, 7 th Jan 2015 Big Ideas in Computer Science Neil Gordon Department of Computer Science Faculty of Science and Engineering

Big Ideas in CS Several high level 1.Discipline specific content 2.Departmental ethos 3.Discipline relevant pedagogic approaches Emphasis is on the science that underpins computing – avoiding the common misconception of computing as IT: English is not the pen, art the pencil nor engineering the screwdriver….

1. Content Computational thinking – Algorithmic thinking – Abstraction – Automation – Separation of concerns (simplicity and elegance) – Acting as a professional – explicit and pervasive inclusion of legal, professional, social end ethical issues, including Sustainable Development.

2. Department ethos The development of graduates (ug and pg) ready for further (research) study or to go on as industry-ready practitioners Commitment to accreditation (BCS and SkillSet) and their content and professional expectations. Reflected in the high impact in the REF! Supported through departmental teaching approaches and facilities (SEED and HIVE) Close liaison with the careers services e.g. timetabled events, employers networking events, industrial placements incl. SEED

3. Disciplinary pedagogies (a) Authentic assessment and practice – a mix of coursework that links to professional practice, alongside more traditional academic skills Team work as a key skill – graduates likely to work within software development teams – Utilising and recognising peer assessment e.g. using WebPA – Adopting teamware software – such as SharePoint – to enable and track team activity

3. Disciplinary pedagogies (b) Flexible approaches – diagnostic assessment with suitable follow up support – Broad range of assessments within modules and throughout programmes Gamification as a way to engage students – allowing multiple attempts at (some) assignments. – Providing rapid feedback as a way to motivate students.