Dr. Susan Rodger from the Duke University, North Carolina, USA, will give a guest lecture on Tuesday 15th of December at 14:15-16 in Exactum, room B222.
Title
Computer Science Concepts Come Alive
Abstract
We describe how to make computer science concepts come alive through visualization and interaction in several computer science courses from introductory computer science to theoretical computer science. We discuss both software tools and props, including the following three tools. JAWAA, a scripting language, aids in creating animations of algorithms and data structures. JFLAP, a tool for automata and grammars, allows for experimentation with theoretical concepts. Alice, a virtual worlds programming environment, visualizes programming concepts in 3D that are accessible for students as young as middle school. We provide examples of how such tools aid students in understanding concepts.
Biography
Susan Rodger is a Professor of the Practice in the Computer Science Department at Duke University. She received her PhD in computer science from Purdue University. Rodger's research interests include interactive and visual software and computer science education. She developed JFLAP, a tool for experimenting with automata theory, and is a co-author of the book "JFLAP - An Interactive Formal Languages and Automata Package." JFLAP is used around the world in automata theory courses, compiler courses, and discrete math courses and was a finalist in the 2007 NEEDS Premier Award for Excellence in Engineering Education Courseware. She developed JAWAA, a scripting language for algorithm animation over the web. She has taught Alice to students from college level to middle school level, and has run Alice workshops for K-12 teachers. She is an ACM Distinguished Educator.
Dr. Rodger is in Finland as the opponent for a PhD thesis defence at HUT.
Last updated on 8 Dec 2009 by Visa Noronen - Page created on 15 Dec 2009 by Visa Noronen