JCSE Online: Issue 1, 2005–2006
Editorial Pointers
J. Philip East
University of Northern Iowa
1. Past
This issue marks yet another transition in JCSE/JCSE Online. This journal began as the SIGCS Newsletter. Diane McGrath's assumption of the editor responsibilities ushered in the golden age of the Journal of Computer Science Education (JCSE). During her tenure the journal was published regularly as a print periodical with production assistance (copyediting, copy production, and distribution) from ISTE. With Charles (Chuck) Funkhouser at the helm, JCSE continued being published in a similar manner. Eventually, and relatively suddenly, Chuck needed to step down as editor. I volunteered to serve on an interim basis and have been doing so since. The transition was a bit rough and for a year or two we published only two or three issues per year rather than four as had been the practice. As a result, ISTE proposed that we publish online rather than in print. It was decided that we would publish individual issues online and prepare an annual print compendium. ISTE continued to provide production assistance. Unfortunately, our article submissions have not supported regular publication. So, commencing this issue, publication of JCSE Online and JCSE Annual is totally in the hands of SIGCS.
Previously, we focused on "computer science" at the high school level. With this issue, we plan to begin addressing the teaching of computing at all levels in K–12. What we publish depends on what is submitted but we hope to publish material for primary and middle school teachers as well as for high school teachers and for those who teach basic usage skills, IT, and applications as well for those who teach programming and AP CS.
2. Present
2.1 Issue Content
We have three items in this issue. In some sense they illustrate some aspects of the variety of material we hope to publish.
The first article discusses the use of a programming project in teaching the introductory computer science course. Joseph Frantiska teaches at a college but high school computer science courses are very similar to the introductory college course. He encourages the identification and use of a programming project. The project is larger than could be accomplished in one or two assignments and becomes the focus of multiple assignments. In this article, Dr. Frantiska discusses a number of his course and content goals and provides a full set of examples with code. As you read this article, I encourage you to consider other topics and how you can use the idea, not just this one project.
Teaching Data Structures—A Project–Based Pedagogy (PDF, 124 KB, 19 seconds, PDF Instructions)
The next piece is more appropriate for middle school teachers who are interested in having or allowing their students to do some programming but not focus on a big language. Some computing professionals at Morrison Schwartz have developed KPL (Kid's Programming Language) and they want to share it with anyone who is interested in using it. This article describes the language and its IDE. They also supply some examples of what can be done very simply. It's interesting, See what you think.
KPL, A Kid's Programming Language (PDF, 147 KB, 23 seconds, PDF Instructions)
The final piece I have included is a draft of the JCSE Online publication guidelines. It indicates our publishing desires, process, and expectations. In particular, it indicates the kinds of material we would like to receive. I believe it includes the statement that if you think something would benefit K–12 teachers of computing, then we probably would like to receive it. The goal is that a number of you will read this and decide you would like to submit something. Take a look. Be aware that I am willing to work with you on developing ideas or the actual writing.
JCSE Online Publication Guidelines. (PDF, 58 KB, 8 seconds, PDF Instructions)
2.2 Issue Access
If you have not figured it out already, you should be able to access the articles mentioned above by clicking on the links. That should cause a PDF file to be downloaded to your local computer. Generally, your browser or you system will automatically open a PDF document for you. If it does not you may have to download Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF Instructions. Future issues should be accessible in a similar manner from the SIGCS Web site, after you log in. With the dearth of articles, it appears that we will not have a print compendium until next year. There may be some changes in the process for accessing JCSE Online but you should hear about that through ISTE or SIGCS channels.
3. Future
SIGCS is expanding its scope and hopes to reach out to all teachers of computing in K–12 schools. We believe the journal can play a key role. But, for that to happen we have to receive material to print. To reach and maintain full life for the journal, we probably need 12–20 articles per year. We have been receiving 5–10 with some not appropriate for our audience.
For this journal to continue to exist we must have:
- Additional editorial help (supervising peer–review, seeking articles, producing final copy, working with authors to assure quality, etc.). Actually, we must find someone or some–ones who are willing to be the editor(s).
- Substantially more submissions (addressing nearly anything that has to do with teaching computing or being a computing teacher in K–12 schools)
The future is in your hands. If you find value in JCSE, and would like to see it continue, submit something! Volunteer to review! Nominate or volunteer to be the/an editor or editorial associate!
I hope the future is good for you. Have a good day!
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