/r/CSEducation

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A community for computer science educators and education researchers. Discussion and links of CS ed research, best practices, pedagogy, curriculum, policy, etc.

A subreddit for computer science educators and education researchers. Discussion and links of CS ed research, best practices, pedagogy, curriculum, policy, etc.

Related websites:

  • SIGCSE -- the largest professional organization of CS educators, a special interest group of the ACM
  • The Computing Portal -- resources and the like

The Reddit Education Network:

  • /r/Education: A place to discuss the news and politics of education.

  • /r/AdultEducation: A place for adult educators to discuss tips and tricks to engaging an adult audience.

  • /r/ArtEd: A place for art educators to discuss the importance of art education and to share and collaborate on resources.

  • /r/CSEducation: A place for computer science educators and education researchers.

  • /r/ECEProfessionals: A place for early childhood educators to learn, grow, and contribute as professionals.

  • /r/ELATeachers: A place for English teachers to share ideas and lessons and to brainstorm and collaborate on new curriculum.

  • /r/HigherEducation: A place to discuss and share articles related to higher education.

  • /r/HistoryTeachers: A place to discuss and share resources for history educators.

  • /r/ScienceTeachers: A place for science educators to collaborate on and contribute tips, ideas, labs, and curricula.

  • /r/SpecialEd: Where special education teachers can discuss and share resources related to the education of students with special needs.

  • /r/Teachers: A place to discuss the practice of teaching, receive support from fellow teachers, and gain insight into the teaching profession.

  • /r/TeachingResources: A great place to share and discover teaching resources, such as demos, blogs, simulations, and visual aids.


Recommended subreddits and websites:

  • /r/slp: Speech-Language Pathology


Other Related subreddits:

/r/CSEducation

24,627 Subscribers

1

Recommendations - teaching app development

For the last 5 years of my teaching career I’ve been using metaverse studio (https://studio.gometa.io/) to teach lower school students years 8/9 some basics about the app development lifecycle and to a lesser extent augmented reality concepts.

It’s been pretty rock solid, intuitive (for the most part) interface, highly customizable and flexible enough for students of any ability to make simple to more complex app ideas. I had students creating scored quizzes, scavenger hunts, probability games and the best part - completely free!

Sadly discovered today that it’s come to an end. It’s also got me a little stressed, as I just assumed this would be like previous years and I’d spin up another class group we could post creations to.

Just wondering if anyone has any app/website recommendations that are like metaverse: preferably free, simple learning curves, customizable to allow for ideas of all types.

3 Comments
2024/03/05
10:33 UTC

12

Help spending a £1000 grant ASAP

Hi - I applied for a grant a while back for £1000 for the school I work at to be spent on improving computing for 11-14 year-olds. Lo and behold the grant was approved, pending a breakdown of spending. I've been off work for various reasons and the grant needs to be in by Wednesday morning.

I want to focus on improving programming skills without having to buy anything too "bitty". We already have MicroBits and some kits but I wouldn't say no to hardware. We have a code club I run at the school but it mostly focuses on free online materials courtesy of Raspberry Pi.

Are there any useful permanent licences for software or websites you could suggest?

Thank you in advance for any help.

10 Comments
2024/03/04
22:42 UTC

3

MakeCode

I'm looking for an introductory programming curriculum aimed at grade school or middle school students that uses MakeCode.

I've found a couple of options for advanced placement high school students but they aren't very direct, and the age group is not quite right for me. And apparently you have to be a teacher to access that "free" material. So that's not going to work.

Anyone have any suggestions?

1 Comment
2024/03/03
14:32 UTC

1

Any developers here wanting to shape the future of Docker?

1 Comment
2024/03/01
13:23 UTC

7

Opinion on a traditional programming pattern (sentinel) solutions

I'm teaching 15-16 years olds introductory courses on computer science. Mostly introductions to programming in Python.

I find that students often struggle with the while loop. Sometimes it's easier for them to program this style of loop in a 'repeat until' style.

Let's take for instance the following classic problem:

Continue asking for whole numbers until the user inputs -1.

Then calculate the sum of these numbers.

Many would write:

number = int(input("Give me a whole number, enter -1 to stop"))
sum = 0
while number != -1:
    sum += number
    number = int(input("Give me a whole number, enter -1 to stop"))
print(sum)

Sometimes I find it easier to delay the condition like so

flag = True
sum = 0
while flag:
    number = int(input("Give me a whole number, enter -1 to stop"))
    if number != -1:
        sum += number
    else:
        flag = False;
print(sum)

Or a bit shorter:

sum = 0
while True:
    number = int(input("Give me a whole number, enter -1 to stop"))
    if number != -1:
        sum += number
    else:
        break
print(sum)

I would give full marks for all these solutions. (they have 50 minutes of CS each week, I'm not aiming to turn them into professional programmers, but for them to be able to tackle similar problems)
(Personally I have a small preference for the second style, since the input is only asked once)

-----

However today I had a discussion with a teaching assistant (for CS education) at a college. He would give the last solutions zero marks. He said those styles are 'wrong programming' styles. Students should think about the condition first, and then about the content of the loop (in his opinion). The "repeat until" style is a bad style of programming according to him, and should be discouraged.

I have always been taught two styles of conditional loops, 'do while'-style and 'repeat-untill' style.But is this really out of fashion? Curious to hear your opinions.

(I've been teaching for 15 years now, and I learned to program about 20 years ago. )

4 Comments
2024/02/28
22:11 UTC

2

Survey about AI in the work field

Hello! My classmates and I would greatly appreciate it if you could spare a few moments of your time to respond to this survey for our English class. Thank you in advance!

https://forms.office.com/r/EV8x8NDBjm

0 Comments
2024/02/28
20:12 UTC

5

Course Selection

Hello everyone, I got the opportunity to study any two courses from this list for this semester. Which two should I select in order to get even an entry level position in data analytics/data science domain?

Courses I've studied previously are :

Statistics and Probability, Data Structure and Algorithms, Python Programming

2 Comments
2024/02/26
14:55 UTC

1

Suggestion in programming!

Hi I am 17m from India and currently I am doing CSE in diploma and I will do btech after that, although I only have learned the basic of C language and I want to make its base strong and I am currently In 4th sem...i have DSC(data structure in C) and give some suggestions about what should I do to make my Language strong.I also want Java, python,linux to learn ....I also want to try going for Cyber security although I am no where 1% of its progress......Any suggestions?

9 Comments
2024/02/24
07:34 UTC

3

What Side quest you guys do?

Hey, I just wanted to ask you guys, when you have free time and you feel like doing something creative or productive related to IT field, what you guys do?
For eg :- Writing blogs, doing side projects , reading CS books etc
Thanks :)

1 Comment
2024/02/22
13:46 UTC

0

User struggles to remember where he saved the latest copy of a document. Should I switch him to Google Docs?

I'm not sure where to ask this. I'll try asking here.

Background

A friend of mine has a serious psychiatric illness, called schizoaffective disorder. He lives with his parents. He sometimes does bartending, and also gets government disability benefit cash. His laptop is old and slow. For word processing, I think he normally uses a parent's PC instead.

I've been helping my friend apply to university as a mature student. The school wants a copy of his resume.

The problem

His resume is in the LibreOffice Writer .odt file format. He keeps a copy of the current version of his resume. He also keeps copies of some older versions, just in case. But these versions may be stored in different places.

He's struggled to remember where the latest version is stored. Perhaps it could be in the Documents folder, or on the Windows desktop, or in a subfolder, or on a USB flash drive.

I'm thinking of encouraging him to move his resume into a cloud word processor, like Google Docs or Word 365. Such a cloud word processor might store version history. He can store his resume as just one file in one place, with automatic version control. Whenever he needs to send someone a copy, he can export a copy in Word .docx format.

My questions

A.) Should I indeed encourage him to move his resume into a cloud word processor, such as Google Docs or Word 365?

B.) If so: Which cloud word processor should I recommend, and why? Is the free version of Word 365 fine even though it can only store 25 previous versions?

C.) He's a close friend of mine. But he sometimes struggles mightily with getting things done. He also struggles with the quality of his work (e.g. spelling and grammar). If it weren't for my prodding and help, he might not apply to university at all. Am I wasting my time helping him apply for a part-time university program, even though he might well flunk out of the program?

3 Comments
2024/02/22
08:12 UTC

1

Tempted to drop out of B.Tech CST and pursue B.S in Data Science.

Sup, I'm an Indian currently studying in the 2nd sem of a 4 year program and I see no future or a clear learning path that interests me. My qualifications won't allow me to give JEE as I scored 70.8% in my 12th boards. The idea of doing the online B.S. in Data Science program by IITM(Indian Institute of Tech, Madras; it's the highest ranked educational institution in India) is super intriguing. In the CS domain, I'm mostly interested in AI and ML stuff and I know that the whole thing is built on Data Science. I've also pursued basic-level certifications in ML and worked on a couple of demonstrative projects. I like it, but I know for a fact that my course program will completely ignore those and instead focus on the more theoretical approach to the subject. Would switching be a wise thing to do? My future goal is to get a decent job and then do my masters in Germany. Also, if someone is currently doing the online degree, could you answer a few questions, please? Thanks to everyone who helps in advance.

0 Comments
2024/02/20
13:30 UTC

3

Help!

What would be a good gift for a dedicated comp sci teacher?

2 Comments
2024/02/19
20:06 UTC

1

Processing API is powering many coding platforms for schools

Have you observed the prevalence of the Processing API, such as p5.js or similar, across various online coding platforms for schools?

This is why platforms like code.org Game Lab, Khan Academy (with JavaScript), and codeguppy.com share a significant core of similar functions.

For a comparison between two platforms, you can refer to this article. The article shows couple of projects implemented on two different platforms: https://codeguppy.com/blog/codeguppy-khan-academy/

Are you using any of the above platforms in your class?

1 Comment
2024/02/15
03:18 UTC

1

Seeking Recommendations! (Discrete math)

Hi! I'm taking an intoductory discrete math course, and we're following the Kenneth Rosen book, but I'd like recommendations for books/websites/resources that have exercise problems slightly more difficult/trickier than Rosen's. My professor is a God-tier intellectual and I am very intimidated by him ://

Any help would be appreciated!!

1 Comment
2024/02/14
06:55 UTC

3

Free Graphic about the most Commonly used Passwords (link to source file in comments)

1 Comment
2024/02/09
17:16 UTC

7

What tools do teachers use?

Besides te CS related ones, what other tools do you use to help in your CS teaching?

5 Comments
2024/02/09
16:51 UTC

4

Seeking Advice: Pursuing a Career in Computer Science in Europe - AI vs. Traditional CS Degrees

I'm certain that many people here possess valuable experience, so I would greatly appreciate everyone's suggestions. Especially those who have work experience in software development, programming, etc., within the European Union.

A series of unfortunate events, including an economic crisis in my home country and serious financial problems, have led me to consider a deviation from my current career path and explore opportunities in computer science-related fields such as programming and software development.

I am contemplating studying computer science in Europe, but I only speak English. Therefore, I have restricted my search to English-taught Bachelor's programs.

Despite their scarcity, I have managed to find some English-taught Bachelor's programs in subjects such as Applied Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, which although not strictly Computer Science programs, are akin to a CS degree.

I understand that most individuals pursue a computer science degree and then either specialize in AI during their final year or pursue a master's later on for specialization in AI (which I believe is probably the ideal path). Unfortunately, given my circumstances, choices are limited. There aren't many English-taught programs, and those available are predominantly AI-focused.

On one hand, I contemplate whether an employer would seek someone who has studied solely artificial intelligence and lacks a general computer science background. On the other hand, I recall acquaintances who secured good jobs in the EU despite lacking a CS degree but possessing a few bootcamp certificates and some work experience.

Has anyone here pursued a Bachelor's degree in AI-related fields and successfully found employment as a software developer or programmer?

3 Comments
2024/02/08
05:32 UTC

0

Advice

Hey guys

Hope you're rocking

Quick thing - I'm studying at India. If I'm diving headfirst into a high potential sector (Computer science) means what would you suggest to learn first thing please mention the job sector too

May be courses too

0 Comments
2024/02/06
17:56 UTC

7

Where to find CS educators?

My apologies if this isn't an appropriate topic here. I've just been trying to figure out where to ask this question. Mod/purge as necessary.

I teach at a community college. We are currently in the search for a tenure track CS instructor (min qualification is a Master in CS). Department is growing and we need more instructors to be able to teach more students. Now... I realize that education isn't as lucrative as other careers you can land with a CS degree, but it can definitely be comfortable. If I'm being honest, we knew this was going to be a tough search. Still, I'm surprised at how few applications we're getting (posted on the big higher ed job sites and linkedin). I don't get to see them until the closing date (about a week out), but I can see the count, and it's single digits before we even check credentials to see if we can interview them.

So... how does an institution find/attract people with a MS in CS and a passion for teaching? Maybe we are even more of a rare breed than I expected. My dept chair and I have already done direct outreach to all the graduate level CS programs within about 250 miles (located in the midwest).

Any insights would be appreciated.

EDIT: details I'm willing to share publicly: suburban Midwest. ~$70k salary floor with MS and no teaching experience. Willing to share posting via DM.

EDIT 2: I should note that teaching summer term can add 10-20k depending on load. It doesn't fix the salary, but it helps. Experience and further education definitely raises the floor on salary as well.

33 Comments
2024/02/03
23:24 UTC

3

Computer Science Masters Degree Opportunities with a 3.2 GPA in a Related Bachelors Degree

Hi, I am currently a junior studying Technology Systems Management with a specialization in Computer Science at stony brook. I had a rough time my freshman year which killed my GPA and led me to not be accepted into the CS program at my school. I have been able to take important classes like DSA and Computer Networks just like a regular CS major, but I can't take any classes that specialize in a field of interest. Since then I have worked hard to boost my GPA, get extracurriculars, and gather work experience in software engineering. I have always had a desire to pursue higher education in computer science since I couldn't get my bachelors. But, it seems like my GPA won't be over a 3.2 by the time I graduate. I would also like to go to a school with a decent program - which I know is a lot to ask for considering my position. I know that my extracurriculars and professional development involvements are very good, I am just worried about my major and GPA. Should I gather more work experience after college to boost my chances? I am not sure what to do at this point.

0 Comments
2024/02/02
18:20 UTC

1

Advice/tips for someone who will be graduating on December 2025

I know I am very late but I have started learning Python through Google's crash course on Coursera. I am taking the learning slow and easy because I suffer from ADHD and anxiety.

I am planning to apply to internships of Fall 2024 and I know my chance of getting an intern is less than nothing but still for my mind's sake I will apply to lots of interships. I am here to just ask you guys on any types of advice or tips to do better in this career. Any kind of tips would be great.

Some info: I completed 60 credits of my undergrad and 60 is remaining. I study in Westcliff University, Irvine, California. I am an international student.

0 Comments
2024/02/01
08:01 UTC

2

Looking for video to encourage students to sign up for intro to CS

As the title says, I’m looking for a video that students (who know little to nothing about CS) would find engaging, and that might help them choose a basic intro to CS class as an elective. Something relatively short (5 min). Any leads?

3 Comments
2024/01/30
23:51 UTC

2

Looking for Teachers at low-income schools

Hi everyone! I'm a current undergrad student working on a service project for a class. My goal is to assist STEM programming in low-income school districts (K-12). I have a few questions in a form linked below if you could help in answering. I appreciate all of your feedback!

https://forms.gle/CEvDXxBmTG6nBq4g8

0 Comments
2024/01/26
18:58 UTC

2

How hard is it to do a Master's in CSE after Mechanical Engineering.

I'm a Mechanical Engineering graduate from India thinking of pursuing a Master's in CSE somewhere abroad (possibly Germany). I'm working as a Front-End developer with more than 1year experience. How difficult is it to pursue masters in CSE. OR Is there any mechanical engineering job or courses where I can do programming. Is there any one who did similar career change. I'm really confused. Please consider sharing your valuable feedbacks.

0 Comments
2024/01/26
18:19 UTC

1

Research topics

What would be a good research topic for undergraduate seniors in Computer Science? I have an excellent grasp of most CS-related theories and am not wrong with programming. I can code in C, Python, Java, and Julia well. I excel in understanding data structures and algorithms. I want to get some solo research experience before starting my PhD.

0 Comments
2024/01/24
15:28 UTC

1

CareerHelp

I'm a third year CSE student. I'm a bit confused about choosing my career. Should I choose web development, data science, ai or game development? And also is there any way to shift career from data science/AI to game developerment?

0 Comments
2024/01/24
13:40 UTC

0

Student Game Development Competition: Seeking Logistical Advice from CS Educators!!

Hello everyone!

My name is Luke, I have a question for anyone willing to weigh in about CS extracurricular events and how they do outreach.

Quick Synopsis: I'm current working alongside a professor in the USC game design program to organize a game development contest for high schoolers. Myself and this professor are working alongside games industry veterans to organize this contest, with the grand prize being charitable donations to the schools of the winners.

I want to know, how are extracurricular programs of this nature usually brought to the attention of schools? (I.E. The Future Cities Program) Are there any resources for getting in contact with CS teachers en masse?

Apologies if this is a dumb question, we're first timers in organizing events tied to education!

In addition to this, we are looking to find CS teachers to weigh in on the logistics of our idea in more depth. Please message me if interested!

2 Comments
2024/01/23
08:58 UTC

0

I have to choose following NPTEL courses which course is easy in each category

1 Comment
2024/01/22
06:21 UTC

1

Looking for discussions tool for Python class

I’m teaching Python this semester and looking for a new discussions tool for my Python class for students to ask questions and interact with each other, ideally with support for threaded comments and the ability to mark discussions as resolved. I previously used Piazza but see that they’ve moved to a paid model. Any suggestions for free alternatives?

2 Comments
2024/01/21
21:12 UTC

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