1. Web-Based Case Studies for Verification-Driven CS Learning
Brandon Cornett, Joseph Desselle, Katie Segalla, and Haleluyah Tesfasion; Mentors: Dr. Theresa Beaubouef and Dr. Wendy Zhang
COMPUTER SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Southeastern Louisiana University
Hang Man is one of the more interesting traditional mind games. It was chosen to be part of the verification driven model because it is one of the most commonly known games to every student. It is easy to play, but at the same time requires critical thinking. These are all characteristics that are in accordance with the goals of the innovative learning method which aims to attract, motivate, and retain more students in computing.
Several interactive modules have been developed to aid in the understanding of elementary data structures. These data structures include queues and binary trees. The binary tree module allows the student to select a color from a color picker and insert it into the tree. The tree is supposed to sort the colors by RGB value and it is up to the student to identify why the tree isn’t sorting properly.
The circular queue module allows the student to insert names into the queue from a populated list and displays a visual representation of the queue as it changes. It is left as an exercise to the student to find and identify solutions to any problems observed while interacting with the queue.
Students typically learn to program by beginning with simple coding requirements and work their way into more difficult and complex systems. This approach exposes students to advanced coding and design techniques in existing code with the goal of having them learn to program by figuring out things that are incorrect in this code.
Outcome:
Students and mentors have worked together to create web based learning cases for enhanced learning of programming through the practice of verifying existing code. The graphical approach makes it interesting for students’ participation in the exercises.
Impact:
Students using the test cases are able to practice their problem-solving and debugging skills, while students developing the cases are putting into practice their experience in design, coding, and user interaction.
This project is supported by NSF CPATH grant CPP