Magic Numbers: Alternative Active Learning Activity to Introduce Computers

1
Magic Numbers Alternative Active Learning
Activity to Introduce Computers

• John T. Taylor
• Hillsborough Community College
• Tampa, Florida

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Abstract

• The presenter will demonstrate a set of
  three programs that introduce computer concepts
  in required computer and educational technology
  courses. In addition to demonstrating these
  programs during the first week of an introductory
  class, active learning application exercises
  vividly demonstrate the topics of the binary
  number system bits and bytes, the difference
  between kilo, mega, and gigabytes ASCII, EBCDIC
  and ANSI popular coding schemes. The online
  keyboard simulation displays the ANSI and ASCII
  bit setting for every character key pressed on
  the keyboard. In addition to Chapter 1, the
  programs integrate with Chapters 4,13, and
  Appendix B of the Discovering Computers 2004
  text. Online homework HTML forms are also
  available for student input to the instructor.
  These active learning games and simulations are
  written for online deployment in both
  Click2Learn's Toolbook and in simple
  HTML/JavaScripts code. Links to all web pages may
  be accessed through the menu
• http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty/john_taylor/mag
  icgms/magicmenu.html
• and are free to use in the classroom. The
  conference power point available on the
  conference CD may also be viewed on line at
• http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty/john_taylor/mag
  icgms/magic_files/frame.htm

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How do begin an Intro Class?

• After the syllabus, calendar, rules, etc
• Do you show Chapter 1 Power Point?
• Or did you get the drawing

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Gagnes Conditions of Learning Theory outlines
nine instructional events (and corresponding
cognitive processes )
http//tip.psychology.org/gagne.html
(1) gaining attention (reception)
On the second day, I come dressed the part and
play Magic Numbers Game
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Magic Number Game

• Although I didnt invent the process, it came
  to me in 1963 when I was writing and presenting
  my senior thesis for my B.S. Mathematics Major
  before I knew what a computer was, or had seen
  the game in the literature
• A Unique Game (Lets Play)
• 1988 A Pascal Programming Problem (dos)
• 1994 A Multimedia ToolBook Program (neuron)
• 1998 HTML/JavaScript version
• 2002 Actions Editor DHTML Deployment
• Course Conference Menu
• http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty/john_taylor/magi
  cgms/magicmenu.html

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Magic Character Game

• In 1988 while programming Magic Number Game
  for a project in a Pascal Course, the Magic
  Character Game was created as a great TEACHING
  TOOL to describe ASCII code and how a keyboard
  translates a key pressed into setting the bits
  for a byte
• A Better Game (Lets Play)
• 1988 A Pascal Programming Problem (dos)
• 1994 A Multimedia ToolBook Program (neuron)
• 1998 HTML/JavaScript version
• 2002 Actions Editor DHTML Deployment
• Course Conference Menu
• http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty/john_taylor/magi
  cgms/magicmenu.html

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Magic Game Tutorials

• In 1995 after creating the Magic
  Number/Character Games for a Talent Show in late
  1994 using ToolBook, Windows was in and DOS out,
  the next task was to add some of the interactive
  teaching screens I had added to the Pascal
  program as TEACHING TOOLs.
• The Tutorial was needed (Lets investigate)
• 1995 A Multimedia ToolBook Program (neuron)
• 2000 HTML / JavaScript binary bit activity
• 2002 HTML / JavaScript Keyboard bit setting
• 2004 Actions Editor DHTML Deployment
• Course Conference Menu
• http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty/john_taylor/magi
  cgms/magicmenu.html

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Magic Game Tutorials

• Streaming Video Clips from PBS Series
• Triumph of the Nerds
• 2003
• The Altair Computer
• The Microprocessor

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Active Learning and Passive Learning Contrasted

• Active learning may be contrasted with passive
  learning as
• Less emphasis on information dispensing.
• More emphasis on active engagement with the
  stimulus material.
• Less emphasis on memorization.
• More emphasis on higher order thinking.
• Less emphasis on knowledge alone.
• More emphasis on what students can do with the
  knowledge.
• Less emphasis on passive acceptance of a
  prescribed value system.
• More emphasis on discovering and developing own
  values.

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Games

• Games often promote rich discussion as
  participants work hard to prove their point.
  However, games can also promote competition, so
  remind participants of the group rules prior to
  the game.

http//www.dc2004.com
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Contact

• John T. Taylor
• Program Manager Computer Science
• Hillsborough Community College
• Brandon Campus
• Tampa, Florida
• 813-253-7824 office
• 904-992-2052 home
• jtaylor_at_hccfl.edu or jtaylor_at_hccbrandon.net

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Last Years Links to Turbo HAL Games

• Problem-Based Learning
• Turbo HAL Home Page http//www.hccbrandon.net/turb
  ohal/turbohal.html
• On-Line Beginners http//www.hccbrandon.net/turboh
  al2/elhal.html
• On-Line Programming Logic http//www.hccbrandon.ne
  t/halstart.html
• Confirmation Email http//www.hccfl.edu/faculty//
  john_taylor/activelearning/HALemail.html