In this paper, we explore what is variously termed distance learning (DL), asynchronous, online, Webbased, and Web-supported learning in terms of how it can support and perhaps even improve the fields of education involving computing. We use the term distributed education to cover all mentioned topics. We describe how the incorporation of these methods can benefit computer education. These benefits arise because of the nature of the computing field, the profound requirements for students to understand concepts and acquire skills as opposed to mere exposure to facts, and our assessment that distributed education has the potential to address many of the challenges identified. We conclude with suggestions on the incorporation of distributed methods into computer education.
Acknowledgements:
This paper discusses ethical issues concerning Internet development, presentation and research. A brief overview of the major ethical issues related to computing is followed by a discussion of ethical issues specific to the use of the Internet. We will look at the implications of these issues for particular population groups such as children, women, disabled persons, and the low socio-economic class. Finally, we offer suggestions for how these issues can be brought into the computer or information science classroom in a way that stimulates critical thinking skills.Many computing students enter jobs in which they will be expected to develop Internet resources. They should enter this market with an understanding of the ethical issues that this technology entails. Neumann [34] points to the mixed signals that most students of computer science receive: "The 'best' work is that which extends the technical state of the art, and computer scientists should not care about how ______________________________________________
In the Fall 1997 semester, 404 students of Computer Information Systems 101 --the undergraduate core computing requirement at Pace University --were asked to complete a survey on me first day of class. The survey focused on the students' prior experience with computers, their attitudes toward technology, their knowledge of current events relating to information technology (IT), expectations for the course, and general demographic data. The main premise of the study was that if we wish to improve instruction, we first need to know who are students are, what they know and don't know, and what they are thinking. The study showed few gender differences, a rather low level of awareness of societal issues dealing with IT, but a largely positive and confident attitude toward computers and IT. Students also exhibited a surprisingly mature attitude regarding their learning goals for the course in that general understanding of concepts and issues tended to take priority over mastery of specific applications. An exit survey on the final day of class also was administered. Results are being analysed and will be ready for presentation shortly.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.