1. Microlabs in Computer Science
ICER 2015 Workshop
Barry L Kurtz Ahmad Esmaili
Appalachian State Stony Brook University

2. Introductions
Let’s go around the room so everyone can introduce him/herself. Please tell us:
Your name
Your university or school
What courses you frequently teach

3. Workshop Agenda Introduction to Microlabs
Share your experience of completing both logical microlabs and code magnet microlabs
Introduction to the Web Automated Grading System (WAGS)
After workshop activities and our Honorarium Program
Design your own code magnet method and test program
Implement your own code magnet lab

4. Support for Microlab Development
The development of microlabs has been supported by several NSF grants:
Innovative Active Learning Using Tablets (DUE )
Transforming Computer Science Education with Microlabs (DUE )
Developing Software and Methodologies for eBook/Browsers to Enhance Learning (DUE )

5. Types of Microlabs Logical Microlabs Code Magnet Microlabs
Students solve a conceptual problem by arranging icons on a screen to represent a solution
Typically last 5-10 minutes, can be done in lecture
Code Magnet Microlabs
Students construct a method by arranging code magnets; some magnets may not be used
Advanced Code Magnet Microlabs
Students must first create their own magnets and then arrange them to construct a method
More challenging, best done outside of lecture
Microlabs can be completed on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices

6. Characteristics of a Logical Microlab
Students solve a conceptual problem by arranging icons on a screen, such as building a binary tree
Typically there are 3 or 4 variations, each with different data
There is no coding involved in solutions
Students can attempt the same lab multiple times using guided feedback to discover a solution
If not completed during class, students are given additional time to complete outside of class
They are the most popular type of microlab

7. Logical Microlab Demonstration
Students must arrange an array of integers into negative numbers followed by positive numbers
The students must must move a left index to the right and a right index to the left making exchanges as required
Only one pass through the data is allowed
There are four variations of the problem
Watch as James Corsi solves this problem

8. Characteristics of a Code Magnet Lab
Students construct a method by arranging given code magnets inside the method
Magnets can be nested inside control structures
There may be extra magnets not used, such as a <= comparison versus a < comparison
The student code is compiled and subjected to unit testing; feedback guides the student toward a correct solution
If not completed during class, students are given additional time to complete outside of class

9. Code Magnet Demonstration
This code magnet lab solves the same problem as the logical lab already demonstrated: partition an array of integers into negatives then positives
In this first version, all the code magnets are used
Unit tests provide feedback to guide the student towards a correct solution
Watch as Tim Ransom solves this problem

10. The Same Lab with Alternative Magnets
All the magnets in the previous lab were used
It can be more challenging if some alternative magnets are present making the student select the correct magnet

11. Characteristics of Advanced Magnets
Students first build some of the needed magnets
Magnet builders may exist for while, if, for control structures and assignment and return statements
Some magnets may be given as standard magnets
Both types of magnets are then used to build the desired method or methods
Code magnet labs with advanced magnets are more challenging than standard magnets
Typically they would be completed outside of lecture
The testing is the same as standard magnets
Submissions can be repeated until correct

12. Advanced Code Magnet Demonstration
This advanced magnet lab solves the same problem as the standard magnet lab already demonstrated: partition an array of integers into negatives then positives
Some magnets can be built that are not needed in the solution
The developer specifies the number of magnets for each type; unused magnets can be discarded
Watch as Dakota Murray solves this problem

13. Experiencing Code Magnet Labs
Login at (use guest)
Try using logical microlabs
Try using code magnet labs with standard magnets and with advanced magnets
Report on your experiences
What was the level of challenge?
How long would it take a student to complete the lab?
Could there be a related programming assignment?
How could long term retention be measured on an exam?