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Analogy-based learning methods map the concept being learned to a concept well understood by the learner. An analogy is primarily useful when learners do not know the topic being studied. Computer science is an area where the concepts exhibit a high level of abstraction and, hence, are hard for students to comprehend. The use of analogies in instruction can significantly reduce the cognitive load a student faces in learning abstract computer science concepts. The role of analogies in helping students learn computer science topics has not been explored adequately. This paper presents our efforts related to using analogy-based teaching in computer science. Over the last several years, we have developed extensive analogies for many advanced computer science concepts. We have used these analogies extensively in classroom teaching at our institution. We list the analogies that we have developed and used in our classroom teaching and, as illustration, discuss two analogies: one from the field of operating systems and another one in modular software design. We have also conducted experiments to evaluate the impact of using these two analogies on student learning outcomes. Our results confirm our hypothesis that analogy-based instruction techniques are effective and result in improved student learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation Z members use their smart devices as part of their everyday routine. Teaching methods may need to be updated to make learning materials more interesting for this generation. This paper suggests gamifying computer science subjects to enhance the learning experience for this generation. Additionally, many students face difficulty in understanding computer science materials and algorithms. Gamifying computer science education is one of the suggested teaching methods to simplify topics and increase students' engagement. Moreover, the field of computer science is dominated by males. The use of gamification could increase women's interest in this field. This paper demonstrates different techniques that were developed by the researchers to employ gamification in teaching computer science topics. The data was collected at the end of the two different courses. Results show that students enjoyed the suggested teaching method and found it useful. This paper also demonstrates two tools and their gamification elements. These tools were developed by the researchers to help people learn computer programming and information security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centre for Schooling and Learning Technologies (CSaLT) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) was asked in 2016 to be the Western Australian arm of a national e-exam project. This project used a bespoke exam system installed on a USB-drive to deliver what would have been traditional paper-based exams in an enclosed computer-based environment that was isolated from the internet and any resources other than those provided by the lecturer. This paper looks at the two exams chosen by the Western Australian group for the trial; a programming exam for pre-service computing teachers and an occupational health and safety exam for pre-service design and technology teachers. Both groups were drawn from the Graduate Diploma in Education course at ECU. The paper looks at the nature of the exam environment and the procedure for creating e-exams. It also outlines the exam procedures used and examines the feedback provided by both the lecturers and students involved. Conclusions are drawn about the suitability of the e-exam system and improvements are recommended as well as a discussion about e-exams and digital assessment more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]