Cited By
View all- Fisler K(2022)Data-Centricity: Rethinking Introductory Computing to Support Data ScienceProceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Data Systems Education10.1145/3531072.3535317(1-3)Online publication date: 12-Jun-2022
Using Design Alternatives to Learn About Data Organizations
Authors: 
Xingjian Gu, Max A. Heller, Stella Li, Yanyan Ren, 
Kathi Fisler, Shriram KrishnamurthiAuthors Info & Claims
Xingjian Gu, Max A. Heller, Stella Li, Yanyan Ren, Kathi Fisler, Shriram KrishnamurthiAuthors Info & ClaimsPages 248 - 258
Abstract
Data that correspond to real-world scenarios can often be organized in several different ways in a database or program. Appreciating the differences between them and choosing an organization that addresses a system's needs are valuable and necessary computing skills. Unfortunately, little of the computing-education literature seems to deal with this topic.
In this paper we consider a technique for getting students to engage with this issue, grounded in theories of examples and differences. Instead of presenting a single organization, we present a pair of organizations and ask students to contrast them. Students then interact directly with the two organizations in a reflection step, which is followed by a further round of contrasting.
Our data show that even novice college students can handle this task fairly well. They are able to find many crucial differences (especially in terms of access and update operations), but also miss some (especially performance and privacy). These data suggest that this is a useful technique to pursue further, and also point to areas where students may need more instructional support.
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- Using Design Alternatives to Learn About Data Organizations
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August 2020
364 pages
ISBN:9781450370929
DOI:10.1145/3372782
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View all- Fisler K(2022)Data-Centricity: Rethinking Introductory Computing to Support Data ScienceProceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Data Systems Education10.1145/3531072.3535317(1-3)Online publication date: 12-Jun-2022
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