Introduction—What Is this Guide About? - Guide to Teaching Computer Science: An Activity-Based Approach - page 13

1.5.2 The Prospective Computer Science Teachers

Enrolled in the MTCS Course

The students enrolled in the MTCS course can use the guide as they use any oth-
er textbook. The instructor can refer them to the general introduction presented
for each topic (presented in most cases at the beginning of any chapter/section) or
to specific assignments, according to the course plan. Interested students can, of
course, read additional material and further broaden their knowledge by reading the
references presented at the end of each chapter.

1.5.3 Computer Science Instructors in the University

Computer science instructors can use the guide in several ways.
First, they can expand their knowledge related to computer science education
and improve their awareness to pedagogical aspects while teaching computer sci-
ence courses.
Second, the guide may increase their awareness to alternative conceptions and
possible difficulties that learners in their classes may face with respect to different
computer science topics.
Third, they can facilitate with their classes activities presented in the guide, even
if their students do not intend to become computer science teachers. Naturally, in
such cases, the computer science context should be emphasized.
Finally, computer science instructors can use this guide to vary their teaching
methods in order to promote learners' interest and motivation. This can be done,
for example, by integrating active-learning-based activities in the lessons they
teach.

1.5.4 Instructors of In-Service Teachers'

Professional Development Programs

Most of the topics and activities presented in the guide are also suitable for facili-
tation with in-service computer science teachers in different frameworks, such as
professional development training and workshops in conferences.

1.5.5 High School Computer Science Teachers

Similar to instructors of computer science courses in the university, the guide can
be used by high school computer science teachers in several ways. They can expand
their knowledge related to computer science education, improve their computer sci-
ence teaching, vary the teaching methods they employ in their classes, and increase
their awareness to possible difficulties their pupils may face with respect to differ-
ent computer science topics. They can also facilitate with their high school pupils
activities presented in this guide.