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1. An Algorithmic Approach to Curriculum Construction: Development, Computer Implementation, and Evaluation of a Method for Identifying Instructional Content Sequences.

Author

Wulfeck, Wallace H., II

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation of problem sequencing as part of a symposium presenting theoretical concerns and research findings regarding several diverse types of strategies for designing and presenting instructional materials. The first step involved analyzing a set of problems, to determine the knowledge (rules) required for solving the problems. A set of geometric construction problems was analyzed using a method for deriving and simplifying rules or algorithms for solving the problems. Next, assumptions were adopted concerning how subjects learn and apply rules to solve problems. A computer was programmed according to these assumptions, and given some of the simplified rules identified during the previous step, in order to simulate some aspects of subjects' problem-solving and learning. Various problem sequences were then given to the program, to identify those that were solvable and "learnable." Finally, for initial evaluation of the approach, sequences that were learnable for the program were given to subjects, whose performance was compared with the performance of subjects given random or learner-controlled sequences. (Author/MLF)

Published
1977

2. Future Directions in Computational Mathematics, Algorithms, and Scientific Software. Report of the Panel.

Author

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Philadelphia, PA.

Abstract

The critical role of computers in scientific advancement is described in this panel report. With the growing range and complexity of problems that must be solved and with demands of new generations of computers and computer architecture, the importance of computational mathematics is increasing. Multidisciplinary teams are needed; these are found in most advanced and industrial laboratories, but rarely in universities. The existing educational opportunities are not producing the required personnel to meet substantial shortages. Therefore, the panel strongly recommends increased federal support for: (1) research in computational mathematics, methods, algorithms, and software for scientific computing; (2) the development of interdisciplinary research teams; (3) the establishment and continued operation of a suitable research infrastructure for the teams; (4) graduate and post-doctoral students directly involved in the research of some interdisciplinary team; and (5) young researchers and cross-disciplinary visitors. In the second section, research opportunities in a number of mathematical areas are described. New modes of research are discussed next, followed by comments on educational needs and a final section on funding considerations. Appendices contain a list of related reports, information on laboratory facilities for scientific computing, and letters and position papers. (MNS)

Published
1985

3. Introduction to Programming in LISP.

Author

King, Margaret

Abstract

The first section of this course on programming introduces LISP as a programming language designed to do symbol manipulation, with consequent prevalence in auto-instructional (AI) work. A programming language specifies in its description a number of primitive operations which the computer knows how to perform. An algorithm is the set of instructions which constitutes a description of the method by which the task can be performed. This algorithm must be written in the programming language which the computer can deal with. The constructs (elements of LISP) that work in algorithms are described and an example task provided. LISP is a functional language, in that its instructions consist of directives to apply some function to some argument. Part 1 of the course concludes with a description of some of LISP's functions, and Part 2 deals with its symbol manipulation functions, specifically in manipulating LISP constructs known as lists. Part 3 gives instruction in writing inherently recursive functions non-recursively. Practice exercises follow each section of the course. (CLK)

Published
1976

4. Automatic Program Synthesis Reports.

Author

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Computer and Information Science Research Center. and Biermann, A. W.

Abstract

Some of the major results of future goals of an automatic program synthesis project are described in the two papers that comprise this document. The first paper gives a detailed algorithm for synthesizing a computer program from a trace of its behavior. Since the algorithm involves a search, the length of time required to do the synthesis of nontrivial programs can be quite large. Techniques are given for preprocessing the trace information to reduce enumeration, for pruning the search using a failure memory technique, and for utilizing multiple traces to the best advantage. The results of numerous tests are given to demonstrate the value of the techniques. The other paper gives a brief overview of the automatic programming system within which the above algorithm is being used. This system is still under development. (Author/CH)

Published
1973

5. Information Storage and Retrieval Scientific Report No. ISR-22.

Author

Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Dept. of Computer Science. and Salton, Gerard

Abstract

The twenty-second in a series, this report describes research in information organization and retrieval conducted by the Department of Computer Science at Cornell University. The report covers work carried out during the period summer 1972 through summer 1974 and is divided into four parts: indexing theory, automatic content analysis, feedback searching, and dynamic file management. Twelve individual papers are presented. (Author/DGC)

Published
1974