Accession Number:

ADA002211

Title:

Real-World Experimentation Comparing Time-Sharing and Batch Processing in Teaching Computer Science,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Sackman,H.

Report Date:

1973-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

This paper is an abbreviated version of a portion of a book-length study. The Air Force Academy conducted a large-scale experiment to test the effectiveness of time-sharing and batch processing in teaching computer science. The experimental design was centered on direct, real world comparison of student effectiveness with time-sharing and batch processing systems using the same computer the Burroughs B-5500 and the same programing language ALGOL. The experimental sample involved all introductory computer science courses with a total population of 415 cadets. The results generally indicated a mixed pattern of advantages and disadvantages for both modes, with no generalized clearcut superiority emerging for either one.

Descriptors:

• *COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
• *TEACHING METHODS
• ALGORITHMS
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• AIR FORCE TRAINING
• TIME SHARING

Subject Categories:

• Humanities and History
• Computer Programming and Software
• Computer Systems

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE