Open Educational Resources: Problem solving on JORUM

Another new Open Education Resource (OER) has been made available by the School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton.

Problem-Solving

Author: Dr Scott Turner

http://find.jorum.ac.uk/resources/19001

Details

These mini lectures are intended for undergraduate computing students, for providing simple steps in problem solving before the students learn a programming language. Problem-Solving and Programming is a common first year undergraduate module on the BSc Computing Programme at the University of Northampton. This material was taken from the problem solving part of the module and provides an introduction to five topics in problem-solving.

The resource can be found at: http://find.jorum.ac.uk/resources/19001

Associate Professor majoring in Teaching and Learning

Starting 1st September 2013 the School of Science and Technology for three years will have an Associate Professor majoring in Teaching and Learning.

Fellowships, Ambassador Roles, Professional Bodies

• University Teaching Fellow
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Public Engagement Ambassador (http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/how-we-help/ambassadors/dr-scott-turner)
• STEM ambassador (http://networking.stemnet.org.uk/users/82870)
• Member of Society for Research into Higher Education
• Member of British Computing Society (also member of the local committee)
• Member of Institute of Engineering and Technology
• Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Sample Publications (ORCID record)

• Hill G and Turner S (2013) Electronic Online Marking Of Software Assignments (EOMOSA) CEISIE 2013 13th -14th May 2013 Milan
• Turner S (2013) Junkbots HEA STEM: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference 2013: Where practice and pedagogy meet 17 Apr 2013 - 18 Apr 2013
• Al-Khalil AB, Al-Sherbaz A, Turner S (2013) Enhancing the Physical Layer in V2V Communication Using OFDM – MIMO Techniques 14th Annual PostGraduate Symposium on The Convergence of Telecommunications, Networking and Broadcasting (PGNET 2013) in Liverpool 24-25th June 2013.

• Turner, S (2012) Case Studies in Web Sustainability Ariadne No 70 ISSN: 1361-3200
• Maunder, R., Turner, S., Sneddon, S. and Crouch, A. (2012) Editorial. Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education. 4(1), pp. 1-2. 2041-3122.
• Turner, S. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2012) What's the problem with problem-solving? Seminar Presentation presented to: Insights into the future of learning and teaching at Northampton, University of Northampton, 3rd December 2012.
• Kariyawasam K., A., Turner S., Hill G. (2012) "Is it Visual? The importance of a Problem Solving Module within a Computing course", Computer Education, Volume 10, Issue 166, May 2012, pp. 5-7, ISSN: 1672-5913. 
• Hill G., Turner S. (2012) "Referencing within Code in Software Engineering Education!", Computer Education, Volume 10, Issue 166, May 2012, pp. 1-4, ISSN: 1672-5913.

• Turner S (2011) "Enhancing the Sustainability of the East Midlands Knowledge Network: final Report " [online] URL:http://ie-repository.jisc.ac.uk/563/2/EMKN_final_report_output4337.doc accessed on: 6/12/2011.
• Turner S (2011) Neural Nets Robotics Workshop. Bot Shop! University of Derby, 28th October 2011.
• Hill G, Turner S (2011) Chapter 7 Problems First Software Industry-Oriented Education Practices and Curriculum Development: Experiences and Lessons edited by Drs. Matthew Hussey, Xiaofei Xu and Bing Wu. ISBN: 978-1609607975 IGI Global June 2011
• Hill, G, Svennevik E, Turner S (2011) "Green Computer Science Courses. No more labs full of computers, we're going mobile!" The 7th China - Europe International Symposium on Software Industry Oriented Education (CEISIE 2011), University of Northampton 23-24th May 2011
• Turner S (2011) "Junkbots" The 7th China - Europe International Symposium on Software Industry Oriented Education (CEISIE 2011), University of Northampton 23-24th May 2011
• McGovern K, Mothersole P, Turner S (2011) "Influencing students' construction of personalised concept maps through the use of query expansion (QE) searching of the World Wide Web" Learning Global, University of Northampton 11th May 2011
• Kariyawasam K and Turner (2011) "Is it Visual? problem solving evaluation" Learning Global,University of Northampton 11th May 2011
• Goodchild T, Dravid R, Turner S (2011) "Mind the Gender Gap - Reflections on addressing gender diversity in Computing and Engineering" Learning Global,University of Northampton 11th May 2011
• Wang, Y., Picton, P., Turner, S. and Attenburrow, G (2011) The Subjective Measurement of Leather Handle by Descriptive Sensory Analysis, Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association, Apr 2011 pp 134-139
• Wang, Y., Picton, P., Turner, S. and Attenburrow, G (2011) Predicting Leather Handle like an Expert Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Volume 25, Issue 2 February 2011 , pages 180 - 192 ISSN: 0883-9514DOI:10.1080/08839514.2011.545218 pp 180-192.

• Zhao F, Turner S, Hill G, Dravid R, Zhang Y (2010) A Virtual Environment Training System for Haptic Laparoscopic Surgery 16th International Conference on Automation and Computing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, 11 September 2010
• Turner S and Hill G (2010) "Innovative use of Robots and Graphical Programming in Software Education" Computer Education Ser. 117 No. 9 pp 54-57 ISSN: 1672-5913
• Turner S (2010) "PowerPoint is just the start" Learning Dialogues: Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Northampton 13th May 2010
• Turner S (2010) "Initial Experience of using Audio Feedback" Learning Dialogues: Learning and Teaching Conference, University of Northampton 13th May 2010

• Turner S(2009) " PowerPoint, but what else?"10th Higher Education Academy-ICS Conference, University of Kent, 24-27th August 2009, pp 151 ISBN 978-0-9559676-6-5
• Turner S (2009)"Initial experience of using audio feedback for general assignment feedback" A Word In Your Ear 2009 Sheffield Hallam University, 18 December 2009 pg 12
• Turner S, Hill G, Adams J (2009) "Robots in problem solving in programming" 9th 1-day Teaching of Programming Workshop, University of Bath, 6th April 2009.
• Turner S (2009) "Tiddlywikis for student developed resources" Transitions: Teaching and Learning Conference 13th May 2009 University of Northampton.

• Turner S and Hill G(2008) "Robotics within the Teaching of Problem-Solving" ITALICS vol. 7 No. 1 June 2008 pp 108-119 ISSN 1473-7507 DOI:10.11120/ital.2008.07010108
• Turner S (2008) "TiddlyWikis for Student Developed Resources" 9th Higher Education Academy-ICS Annual Conference, Liverpool Hope University, 26th August - 28th August 2008. pp. 192 ISBN 978-0-9559676-0-3.
• Turner S and Adams J (2008) "Robots and Problem Solving" 9th Higher Education Academy-ICS Annual Conference, Liverpool Hope University, 26th August - 28th August 2008. pp. 14 ISBN 978-0-9559676-0-3.
• Minai, A, Turner S, and Hill. G (2008) "Motivational Differences in Learning Internet Programming Between Arts and Computing Students" 9th Higher Education Academy-ICS Annual Conference, Liverpool Hope University, 26th August - 28th August 2008. pp. 197 ISBN 978-0-9559676-0-3.
• Adams, J. and Turner, S., (2008) Problem Solving and Creativity for Undergraduate Computing and Engineering students: the use of robots as a development tool Creating Contemporary Student Learning Environments 2008, Northampton, UK.
• Adams, J. and Turner, S., (2008) Problem Solving and Creativity for Undergraduate Engineers: process or product? International Conference on Innovation, Good Practice and Research in Engineering Education 2008, Loughborough, UK.
• Adams, J., Turner, S., Kaczmarczyk, S., Picton, P. and Demian, P.,(2008). Problem Solving and Creativity for Undergraduate Engineers: findings of an action research project involving robots International Conference on Engineering Education ICEE 2008, Budapest, Hungary

• Turner S and Hill G(2007) Robots in Problem-Solving and Programming 8th Annual Conference of the Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, University of Southampton, 28th - 30th August 2007, pp 82-85 ISBN 0-978-0-9552005-7-1
• Wang, Y., Picton, P, Turner, S. and Attenburrow, G.,(2007) A Neural Network Approach to Investment the Objective and Subjective Measurements of Leather Handle, in Proceedings of the AI-METH, 2007: p. 241-246.
• Turner S (2007) Developing problem-solving teaching material based upon Microsoft Robotics Studio. 8th Annual Conference of the Subject Centre for Information and Computer Sciences, University of Southampton, 28th - 30th August 2007 pp 151 ISBN 0-978-0-9552005-7-1
• Turner S (2007) Developing problem-solving teaching materials based upon Microsoft Robotics Studio. Innovative Teaching Development Fund Dissemination Day 1st March 2007 Microsoft:London
• Salamaliki-Simpson, R., Kaczmarczyk, S., Picton, P., Turner, S(2006), The Vibration Study of Non-Linear Interactions in a Moving Elevator Car-Suspension Rope System. Proceedings of the Symposium on the Mechanics of Slender Structure (MoSS 2006), 28 - 29 September 2006, Northampton , Paper #10, CD-ROM.
• Salamaliki-Simpson R, Kaczmarczyk S, Picton P, Turner S (2006) Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Modern Practice in Stress and Vibrational Analysis, Bath U.K
• Salamaliki-Simpson R, Kaczmarczyk S, Picton P, Turner S (2006) Non-Linear Modal Interactions in a Suspension Rope System with Time-Varying Length Journal of Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 5-6 pp 217-224 ISSN 1660-9336
• Turner S and Hill G (2006) The Inclusion Of Robots Within The Teaching Of Problemsolving: Preliminary Results Proceedings of 7th Annual Conference of the ICS HE Academy Trinity College, Dublin, 29th - 31st August 2006 Proceedings pg 241-242 ISBN 0-9552005-3-9
• Prince K, Campbell J, Picton P, Turner S (2005) A computational model of Acute Pain International Journal of Simulation: Systems, Science and Technology Vol. 6 No. 9 pp 1-10 ISSN 1473-8031.
• Prince K, Campbell J, Picton P, Turner S (2005) A computational model simulating how pain modulation can occur through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) International Conference on Computer Science & Information Systems Athens, Greece, June 15-18, 2005
• Salamaliki-Simpson, R., Kaczmarczyk, S., Picton, P., Turner, S.(2005) The Dynamics and Vibration of an Elevator Car- Suspension Rope System. Proceedings of the Twelfth International Congress on Sound and Vibration, Lisbon, Portugal, 11-14 July 2005, Paper 303, CD-ROM, pp. 1-8.
• McIntyre M and Turner S (2004) Learning to Teach at a Distance International Conference on Engineering Education Gainesville, 16-21 October 2004
• Prince K, Campbell J, Picton P, Turner S (2004) A Model of acute Pain Magdeburg, Germany, 13-16 June 2004
• Terumichi Y, Kaczmarczyk S, Turner S, Yoshizawa M, Ostachowicz W (2003) Modelling, Simulation and Analysis Techniques in the Prediction of Non-stationary Vibration Response of Hoist Ropes in Lift Systems Proc. 5th International Conference on Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis September University of Glasgow, UK, 9-14 September 2003 pp 497-504
• Turner SJ, Picton PD, Campbell JA (2003) Extraction of short-latency evoked potentials using a combination of wavelets and evolutionary algorithms Medical Engineering and Physics June Vol. 25 pp. 407-412.
• Terumichi Y, Kaczmarczyk S, Turner S, Yoshizawa M, Ostachowicz W (2003) Modelling, Simulation and Analysis Techniques in the Prediction of Non-stationary Vibration Response of Hoist Ropes in Lift Systems Materials Science Forums Vol. 440-441 pp 497-504
• Turner SJ, Triastuti E, Crockett RGM, Picton PD, Crockett AC (2002) Intelligent Techniques for Detecting Estimated and Falsified Numerical Data Proc. 6th Conference of the Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (SCI'2002) Orlando, Florida USA, July 14-18 2002 pp. 445-450, IIIS, Eds. Callaos N, Leng T, Sanchez B, ISBN 980-07-8150-1.
• Crockett RGM, Crockett AC and Turner SJ (2001) 'Base-Number Correlation': a new technique for investigating digit preference and data heaping. Journal of History and Computing Vol. 13 No 2 pg 161-180 ISSN 0957-0144
• Picton PD, Campbell JA, Turner SJ (2001) Modelling Chronic Pain: An Initial Survey 8th International Conference on Neural Information Processing Shanghai, China.
• Turner SJ, Crockett RM, Picton PD, Triastuti E (2001) Genetic Algorithms for Simulating Counting Behaviour 19th Biennial Conference on Numerical Analysis Dundee.

• Turner SJ, Picton PD, Campbell JA (2000) Use of Evolutionary Algorithms to Enhance the Extraction of Short Latency Evoked Potentials 4th Conference of the Systemics, Cybernetics, and Informatics (SCI'2000) Orlando, July 23-26 pp. 641-643.
• Turner SJ, Picton PD, Campbell JA (1999) Selecting Filter Banks to Enhance Evoked Potentials Recordings Using Evolutionary Algorithms Eds. Poli R, Voigt HM, Cagnoli S, Corne D, Smith GD, Fogarty TC Evolutionary Image Analysis, Signal; Processing and Telecommunications May Lecture Notes Springer -Verlang 1596 pp 101-110.
• Campbell JA, Turner S, Picton P (1999) Filter selection for evoked potentials using genetic algorithm techniques Eds. Moglia A, Zappoli F, Sirabella G Atti del VII Meeting Invernale di Scienze Neurologiche 8-12 February pp 15-25.
• Turner S, Campbell J, Picton P (1997) Improved Signal to noise ratio in somatosensory Evoked potentials 3rd Annual National Conference of the IPEM 2-4 September, Dundee pp.161.
• Abel EW, Forster A, Farrow TL, Turner S (1994) Cepstral Analysis of the EMG Interference Pattern Extending the Spectrum: IPSM & BES 1st Joint Annual Scientific Conference 14-16 September, University of Keele pp. 159

Editorial Board Membership

• ITALICS. York: Information and Computer Science Subject Centre of the Higher Education Academy. 1473-7507.
• Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education Northampton:The University of Northampton 2041-3122

work in progress: Animated module introductions

I was challenged to find come up to produce a video welcome message for a module, the problem is I dislike appearing in a video - I tend to use an avatar in place of a picture of myself.


Here are two example video introductions using two different tools.

Example 1: Photostory 3
A free piece of software (http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=11132) that takes photos and allows you to add narration, music and some effects. Moviemaker software will do in it's place.

 The module was a MSc Computing dissertation module giving a short overview of the module.


Example 2 and 3: Machinima
A second approach was to use a package that allows you to guide/direct a character, scripting what they say, etc. The package used was an early version of Moviestorm (newer educational version can be found here) it allows you to 'direct' the character and save me having to appear in it! 









This module is an introduction to artificial intelligence module.
 

The second one is an introduction to a problem solving and programming module.

Placed inside a VLE:

Ok, they were done as a couple of experiments and a bit a fun; but are worth a play with.

Computing Courses

BSc and HND Computing Provision (click on the links below for more details of the courses)

• BEng/MEng Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• BEng/MEng Computing (Computer Systems Engineering) 

• BSc (Hons) Computing (also available part-time)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Mobile Computing)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Software Engineering)
• BSc (Hons) Computing - One Year Top-Up 
• BSc  Computer Games Development
• HND Computing (Compute​r Net​works Engineering)
• HND Computing (Computer Systems Engineering)
• HND Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• HND Computing (Internet Tech​nolog​y and Security)
• HND Computing (Mobile Computing)
• HND Computing (Software Engine​ering) 
• HND Com​puting

The University of Northampton's, Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies offers five courses within the MSc Computing postgraduate provision (shown below) all available either part-time or full-time. 

• MSc Computing
• MSc Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Immersive Technologies)

The contents are the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily the view of the University of Northampton.

work in progress: Discussion boards in research methods

Trying to find a way of encouraging students to write and critique literature reviews. So I looked at whether using a discussion board could be used. I 'borrowed' the idea from a short course on Moderating On-Line Groups (now CLEO) run by the Institute of Learning and Teaching Higher Education, University of Northampton.

What was the exercise they had to do?

- Post a small literature review of up to three papers on start of project idea.

- post it on a discussion board on the Backboard module

- rules they
            - had to post the mini review of the discussion board with appropriate references

            - had to comment on at least one post.

            - were encouraged a week later to post a mindmap of the project.

Context

- small group (less than 10)

- MSc students

Initial Observations

- 3 weeks after it started posts are still appearing.

- most students have comment on most of the initial literature reviews.

- 46 posts only 11 of them are from me, this included one where I post an example.

- Student comments vary from being mainly supportive to appropriately critical making some suggestions

Some thoughts

- It seems to be received by the student so far positively.

- The fact that it is small group who know each other is probably helping.

- Comments also included ones saying that it helped others understand a little clear what the other person's project is about, overall comments are usually clearly written and supportive of each other even when making critical suggestions.

-will it have an impact on proposal and final dissertation is unknown.

ELECTRONIC ONLINE MARKING OF SOFTWARE ASSIGNMENTS (EOMOSA)

Recently presented paper in Milan at 9th China-Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education.

 Electronic Online Marking Of Software Assignments (EOMOSA) 

Gary Hill and Scott Turner

Abstract

With the advent of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and online electronic submission of assignments, computing lecturers are increasingly assessing code online. There are various tools for aiding electronic marking, grading and plagiarism detection. However, there appears to be limited shared advice to computer science tutors (and students) on the effective use of these tools.

This paper aims to stimulate peer-discussion amongst tutors involved in the assessing (marking and grading) of software code. Many United Kingdom (UK) Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are using electronic marking. This paper discusses the authors’ experience and proposes suggestions for appropriate and effective solutions to the electronic assessment of software code. This will be based on the authors’ experience of electronically assessing code over three academic years and the current advice given to their students.

KEY WORDS

Software engineering, online marking, online grading, online assessment, turnitin, computer code.

Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education Vol 4 Issue 2012

Vol 4, No 1 (2012)

Table of Contents

Editorial	PDF
Rachel Maunder, Scott Turner, Simon Sneddon, Anna Crouch	1-2

Articles

Students’ views on higher education learning environments for professional teacher education	PDF
Diane Stoncel, Ann Shelton-Mayes	3-16

Assessing the impact of students facilitating workshops within the context of a collaborative cross institution project	PDF
Grant Petrey	17-31

An action research project to explore the effect of a pre-assessment intervention with undergraduate occupational therapy students	PDF
Anita Volkert	32-43

An exploration of the motivations of service users and carers involved in student social work education and the challenges that such involvement brings	PDF
Valerie Gant	44-58

Critical case studies

Using culturally relevant case studies to enhance students’ learning: a reflective analysis of the benefits and challenges for social work students and academics	PDF
Prospera Sorviel Tedam	59-69

Work in progress

Coping with the first fail: a strategic approach to student retention	PDF
Simon Smith, Andrea Lee	70-74

Book reviews

Helping Doctoral Students Write – pedagogies for supervision	PDF
Nick Sutcliffe	75-77

ISSN: 2041-3122

The Journal Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education can be found at: http://journals.northampton.ac.uk/index.php/elehe/index

Editorial Board for for the journal ITALICS

 Some rights reserved by Patrick Hoesly

Taken from: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/journals/italics/italics-editorial-board

ITALICS - Innovation in Teaching And Learning in Information and Computer Sciences

Members of the Editorial Board:

• Stephen Hagan (Editor in Chief), University of Ulster
• Tom Crick, Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Neil Gordon, University of Hull
• Alan Hayes, University of Bath
• Lyndsay Marshall, Newcastle University
• Andrew McGettrick, University of Strathclyde
• Rebecca Strachan, Northumbria University
• Scott Turner, University of Northampton

Details about the journal can be found at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/journals/italics