Computer Science Inside ...

“Algorithm Development”

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In this workshop pupils will experience writing and following algorithms. They will be introduced to the concept of an algorithm and be asked to develop basic instructions to complete tasks considering factors such as order and preciseness in their solution. Pupils will have the opportunity to follow a given algorithm and compare their end product with others to assess the effect of ambiguity. The results will show pupils the difficulties that arise from unclear instructions and emphasise the importance of being precise. Pupils will realise the value of accurate, well-tested algorithms through the activities in this workshop, they will become familiar with the process of designing and executing algorithms and its place within Computing Science.

A document outlining the learning aims of this workshop can be downloaded using the link at the right hand side of this page. Educators can register with the website in order to download workshop packs.

 

 

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Algorithm Development
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Augmentation for older students

Posted by:Bob Calder, Mon 6th Jun 2011, 2:34PM

I backgrounded the activity with a discussion of models of animal behaviour that students consider intelligent such as co-operation, communication, and self-awareness. Then we discussed whether human behaviour is a lot simpler than we generally assume. That in fact, it can be broken down into sets of rules.

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Posted by:Margaret Brown, Wed 21st Jan 2009, 4:10PM

Made them aware of the ambiguity inherent in normal dialogue and the fact that the computer doesn't use intelligence in interpreting instructions

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Posted by:Margaret Brown, Mon 20th Oct 2008, 3:28PM

Algoithms was fun because it made the point about precision very strongly and how hard it is to specify unambiguously

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Posted by:Margaret Brown, Fri 4th Jul 2008, 11:07AM

I ran the “algorithm development” workshop with two Intermediate 2 classes, one of 20 and one of 17. The pupils enjoyed very much the practical introduction to the concept of an algorithm. Surprisingly, 4 students managed to draw the kite from the given instructions! Throughout the entire SDP unit when the pupils struggled with writing the pseudocode we made references to the “kite” instructions. Thank you very much for providing us with the access to the workshops. I intend to continue to use them with my future classes.

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Posted by:Margaret Brown, Fri 4th Jul 2008, 10:42AM

S3 St Grade class: Helped make a theory based starting point more enjoyable and understandable. The point about lists of instructions having to be correct, in the right order and unambiguous got across easily.

 

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