Allan Hanson
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Abstract
We feel that for a long time introductory computer science courses have degenerated into courses more appropriately titled “Introduction to the Programming Language X” where X has historically been FORTRAN or BASIC and more recently PL/I or APL. In this paper we propose an introductory course which first, and foremost, teaches problem-solving methodology with the
- 1 Dahl, O.J., E.W. Dijkstra, and C.A.R. Hoare. Structured Programming. Academic Press, New York, 1972. Google Scholar
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- 2 Gries, D. What Should we Teach in our Introductory Programming Course. SIGCSE Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 1, Feb. 1974, pp. 81-89. Google ScholarDigital Library
- 3 Maly, K. and Hanson A., Fundamentals of Algorithms and Languages. CICS, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1974.Google Scholar
- 4 Maly, K. and Hanson, A., Introduction to Non-numeric Programming. CICS, University of Minnesota, Minnespolis, Minnesota, 1973.Google Scholar
- 5 Wirth, N. Systematic Programming: An Introduction. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1973. Google ScholarDigital Library
- 6 Arden, B.W. An Introduction to Digital Computing. Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass., 1963, 389 pp. CR-6345-4551. Google ScholarDigital Library
- 6.1 This text uses MAD and emphasizes the solution of numerical problems, although other types of problems are discussed. Numerous examples and exercises.Google Scholar
- 7 Forte, A. SNOBOL3 Primer. M.I.T. Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1967, 107 pp.Google Scholar
- 7.1 An elementary exposition of SNOBOL3 which might well be used to introduce a "second" language. Many exercises and examples. (SNOBOL4 is now becoming available.)Google Scholar
- 8 Galler, B.A. The Language of Computers. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1962, 244 pp. CR-6341-3574. Google ScholarDigital Library
- 8.1 Emphasizes "discovering" the structure of algorithms needed for the solution of a varied set of problems. The computer language features necessary to express these algorithms are carefully motivated. The language introduced is primarily based on MAD, but FORTRAN and ALGOL are also discussed.Google Scholar
- 9 Gruenberger, F. The teaching of computing (Guest editorial). Comm. ACM 8,6 (June 1965), 348 and 410. CR-6565-8074.Google Scholar
- 9.1 Conveys eloquently the philosophy which should be used in developing and teaching an introductory computing course.Google Scholar
- 10 Gruenberger, F. and Jaffray, G. Problems for Computer Solution. Wiley, New York, 1965, 401 pp. CR-6671-8757.Google Scholar
- 10.1 Contains a collection of problems appropriate for computer solution by students. Student is guided into the analysis of the problems and the development of good computational solutions, but actual computer programs for the solutions are not given.Google Scholar
- 11 Hull, T.E. Introduction to Computing. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1966, 212 pp.Google Scholar
- 11.1 Text on fundamentals of algorithms, basic features of stored-program computers, and techniques involved in implementing algorithms on computers. Presents a complete description of FORTRAN IV with examples of numerical methods, nonnumerical applications, and simulations. Numerous exercises.Google Scholar
- 12 Marcovitz, A.B. and Schweppe, E.J. An Introduction to Algorithmic Methods Using the MAD Language. Macmillan, New York, 1966, 433 pp. CR-6781-11,199.Google Scholar
- 12.1 Emphasizes algorithms and their expression as programs, characteristics of computers and computer systems, formal definition of computer languages, and accuracy and efficiency of programs. Numerous examples and exercises.Google Scholar
- 13 Perlis, A.J. Programming for digital computers. Comm. ACM 7, 4 (Apr. 1964), 210-211 Google ScholarDigital Library
- 13.1 Description of course developed by Perlis at Carnegie Institute of Technology which has strongly influenced the course proposed here.Google Scholar
- 14 Rice, J. K. and Rice, J.R. Introduction to Computer Science: Problems, Algorithms, Languages and Information, Preliminary edition. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, 1967, 452 pp.Google Scholar
- 14.1 Presentation revolves around the theme of "problem solving," emphasizing algorithms, languages, information representations, and machines necessary to solve problems. Problem solution methods classified, and many sample problems included. The nature of errors and uncertainty is considered. Detailed appendix on FORTRAN IV by E. Desautels.Google Scholar
- 15 School Mathematics Study Group. Algorithms, Computation and Mathematics, rev. ed. Stanford University, Stanford, California, 1966. Student Text, 453 pp., Teacher's Commentary 301 pp.; Algol Supplement: Student Text, 133 pp., Teacher's Commentary, 109 pp.; Fortran Supplement: Student Text, 132 pp., Teacher's Commentary, 102 pp. Available from A. C. Vroman, Inc., 367 South Pasadena, Pasadena, California. A MAD Language Supplement by E. I. Organick is available from Ulrich's Book Store, 549 E. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Mich.Google Scholar
- 15.1 Although developed for high school students and teachers, this work contains much material appropriate for this course. Develops an understanding of the relationship between mathematics, computing, and problem solving. Basic text uses English and flow charts to describe algorithms; supplements introduce the computer language and give these algorithms in ALGOL, FORTRAN, and MAD.Google Scholar
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- A first course in computer science: What it should be and why.
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