1. Open Discussion on Teaching Computing Topics to Non-CS Majors Computer Science Colloquium May 16,2008 Hugh Lauer and Robert Kinicki Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA, 01609 USA Moderator - Bob Kinicki rek@cs.wpi.edu

2. Outline Introductory Remarks Bob KinickiIntroductory Remarks Bob Kinicki A Few Comments by Hugh LauerA Few Comments by Hugh Lauer Open Discussion:Open Discussion: –How do we in CS work with other departments to best server non-majors? –Does this simply boil down to a language issue for non-majors? CS Colloquium May 16, 2008 2

3. My Viewpoint (rek) CS 2303 Systems ProgrammingCS 2303 Systems Programming I taught this course for the first time in C08 Term.I taught this course for the first time in C08 Term. Course material includes:Course material includes: C programming Systems programming C++ programming Data Structures CS Colloquium May 16, 2008 3

4. Motivation and Observations Concerned about the data structures knowledge of CS Majors.Concerned about the data structures knowledge of CS Majors. Surprised by the number of non-majors in the course.Surprised by the number of non-majors in the course. Unhappy with the non-major performance.Unhappy with the non-major performance. A higher percentage of non-majors did not take the two prerequisite courses.A higher percentage of non-majors did not take the two prerequisite courses. Picked up anecdotal information from ECE students in the course about C.Picked up anecdotal information from ECE students in the course about C. CS Colloquium May 16, 2008 4

5. CS 2303 C08 YearTotal ABCNR 20117723%22%25%23% 20102631%19%23%38% 2009714% 29%43% 2008813%25%0%62% MassAcad520%40%20% CS Colloquium May 16, 2008 5

6. CS 2303 C08 MajorTotal ABCNR CS55 (44%)27%16%29%27% ECE21 (17%)19%29%14%38% IMGD30(24%)17%20%17%47% RBE450%0%25% ME20%50%0%50% CS Colloquium May 16, 2008 6