Search

The article profiles Donald Knuth, a computer scientist and author of "The Art of Computer Programming." Topics discussed include his contributions to the field of algorithms and computer programming, his reputation as a notorious perfectionist, publication of his first technical paper "The Potrzebie System of Weights and Measures" at the age of 19, and educational background.

The article discusses the use of data mining and computer-based algorithms to increase student productivity and success in U.S. higher education. It addresses attempts to reduce student attrition and improve graduation time among college students, as well as electronic monitoring of student progress to ensure they remain on track. It comments on the use of electronic assistance related to monitoring study habits, personalize course work, and anticipate success in an academic discipline. It also reports on the potential use of data mining for social aspects at universities, opposition to the programs, and considers issues of privacy and anonymity. INSET: A Conversation With 2 Developers of Personalized-Learning….

The article discusses the use of data to improve college student retention. Such a system uses a computer algorithm and has been implemented at Purdue University to alert students if they are performing well in their class. The algorithm can allegedly predict which students will drop out and alert school staff of the situation. A similar system at the State University of New York at Buffalo looks at seven variables to assess students. The flaws in the prediction models include overlooking people who are at-risk and sometimes students can remedy their own situations.

Presents information on the fifth annual TopCoder Collegiate Challenge, a computer-programming tournament. Objective of the contest; Information on the number of students who joined the contest; Mechanism of the contest.

The article discusses the use of a computer game to conduct cancer research. The game was designed by biochemistry professor David Baker, who developed an algorithm that designs proteins. Baker used the algorithm to create a screensaver that utilized distributed computing. He then developed that into the game Foldit with assistance from the program's users and computer scientist Zoran Popovic. Game players who create protein structures with therapeutic potential will have the opportunity to be noted in published research.