Labs in Introductory Computer Science

The role of labs has evolved greatly over the years
A VERY rough outline follows (dates show trend, but years off somewhat):

• 1970s: labs available for individual assignments, projects ("open" labs)
• 1980s: labs focusing on individual work incorporated into selected courses (structured or "closed" labs)
• 1990s: labs becoming more ubiquitous, perhaps with some collaborative work
• 2000s: collaboration and active learning emphasized ("pair programming")
• 2010s: integration of in-class labs with lectures ("workshop" style)

Current Status of Labs

• Lab work widely practiced for introductory computing
• Labs represent one type of active learning
• Used both in-class ("closed" labs) and for homework ("open" labs)
• Mix of collaborative work and individual work
• Classes involving a mix of lecture, discussion, and lab work often in same room (a lab setting)
• Lab activities may assume equipment owned by school or by student

Overall, work in a laboratory setting now expected as part of an introductory college computing involving problem solving and programming.

• work highlight qualities of laboratory environments: social science
• problem solving using computers in a lab setting: computing

created 18 January 2013 last revised 8 March 2013

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