Abstract:

CoBib facilitates the process of surveying literature by using a community's actions, annotations, and referrals. The database architecture for CoBib provides users within research communities the means to collaboratively index and annotate citations by supporting both searching and browsing behavior. The system enables users to learn about research through explicit and implicit recommendations. This poster describes the principles and architecture of CoBib and our work towards effectively sharing references among research communities.

Abstract:

Despite exponential increases in computational power, examples used in computer science courses have remained largely unchanged and enrollment have seen a recent marked decline. The goal of the HarambeeNet project is to bring educators together to design modules that introduce computer science into existing courses in various disciplines in a way that increases interest for pursuing further study in computer science. We have chosen the Science of Networks as the overarching theme and Social Networks as our immediate focus on which to develop materials and modules that form an alternative introduction to computer science. One reason for choosing this theme is its roots in mathematics, computer science, sociology, and operations research. Another reason is that the topic grounds abstract concepts in a concrete setting immediately familiar, relevant, and intriguing to college students. After surveying the relevant literature, network analysis and visualization tools, sources of data, and curricular materials, a faculty learning community will develop and evaluate modules that can be incorporated into existing courses in math, statistics, computer science, sociology, economics, and related fields. In this talk, we will discuss the current status of our project: highlighting trends in networks courses and demonstrating a module that utilizes our adaptation of a network analysis and visualization tool and web-based social network to analyze user's music listening profiles.

Abstract:

For forty years programming has been the foundation of introductory computer science. Despite exponential increases in computational power during this period, examples used in introductory courses have remained largely unchanged. The incredible growth in statistics courses at all levels, in contrast with the decline of students taking computer science courses, points to the potential for introducing computer science at many levels without emphasizing the process of programming: leverage the expertise and role-models provided by high school mathematics teachers by studying topics that arise from social networks and modeling to introduce computer science as an alternative to the traditional programming approach. This new approach may capture the interest of a broad population of students, crossing gender boundaries. We are developing modules that we hope will capture student interest and provide a compelling yet intellectually rich area of study. We plan to incorporate these modules into existing courses in math, statistics, and computer science at a wide variety of schools at all levels.