@article{Lessner2013, author = {Lessner, Daniel}, title = {The role of algorithm in general secondary education revisited}, series = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, journal = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, number = {6}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}tsverlag Potsdam}, address = {Potsdam}, issn = {1868-0844}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-64534}, pages = {99 -- 110}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The traditional purpose of algorithm in education is to prepare students for programming. In our effort to introduce the practically missing computing science into Czech general secondary education, we have revisited this purpose.We propose an approach, which is in better accordance with the goals of general secondary education in Czechia. The importance of programming is diminishing, while recognition of algorithmic procedures and precise (yet concise) communication of algorithms is gaining importance. This includes expressing algorithms in natural language, which is more useful for most of the students than programming. We propose criteria to evaluate such descriptions. Finally, an idea about the limitations is required (inefficient algorithms, unsolvable problems, Turing's test). We describe these adjusted educational goals and an outline of the resulting course. Our experience with carrying out the proposed intentions is satisfactory, although we did not accomplish all the defined goals.}, language = {en} } @article{ReffayMiledOrtizetal.2013, author = {Reffay, Christophe and Miled, Mahdi and Ortiz, Pascal and F{\´e}vrier, Loic}, title = {An epistemic hypermedia to learn python as a resource for an introductory course for algorithmic in France}, series = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, journal = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, number = {6}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}tsverlag Potsdam}, address = {Potsdam}, issn = {1868-0844}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-64545}, pages = {111 -- 118}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We launched an original large-scale experiment concerning informatics learning in French high schools. We are using the France-IOI platform to federate resources and share observation for research. The first step is the implementation of an adaptive hypermedia based on very fine grain epistemic modules for Python programming learning. We define the necessary traces to be built in order to study the trajectories of navigation the pupils will draw across this hypermedia. It may be browsed by pupils either as a course support, or an extra help to solve the list of exercises (mainly for algorithmics discovery). By leaving the locus of control to the learner, we want to observe the different trajectories they finally draw through our system. These trajectories may be abstracted and interpreted as strategies and then compared for their relative efficiency. Our hypothesis is that learners have different profiles and may use the appropriate strategy accordingly. This paper presents the research questions, the method and the expected results.}, language = {en} } @article{Grgurina2013, author = {Grgurina, Nataša}, title = {Computational thinking in Dutch secondary education}, series = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, journal = {Commentarii informaticae didacticae : (CID)}, number = {6}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}tsverlag Potsdam}, address = {Potsdam}, issn = {1868-0844}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-64556}, pages = {119 -- 123}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We shall examine the Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of Computer Science (CS) teachers concerning students' Computational Thinking (CT) problem solving skills within the context of a CS course in Dutch secondary education and thus obtain an operational definition of CT and ascertain appropriate teaching methodology. Next we shall develop an instrument to assess students' CT and design a curriculum intervention geared toward teaching and improving students' CT problem solving skills and competences. As a result, this research will yield an operational definition of CT, knowledge about CT PCK, a CT assessment instrument and teaching materials and accompanying teacher instructions. It shall contribute to CS teacher education, development of CT education and to education in other (STEM) subjects where CT plays a supporting role, both nationally and internationally.}, language = {en} }