Session using history in computing courses

Abstract

This paper brings a degree of closure to the prior works-in-progress presentations made at FIE conferences. It shows how history can improve teaching of computing courses, particularly introductory courses. The approach uses computing history as a thread throughout a course by adapting relevant historical materials to enhance course delivery. The expectation is that computing history can make a positive change in a course from one of only factual content to one containing dynamic interludes involving people, places, and events. The result is that computing courses become more interesting and can stimulate more students, particularly non-specialists, to engage in computing as their major field of study. Readers may extend this approach to other technical areas such as computer engineering and electrical engineering