The overall goal of this project is a radical restructuring of undergraduate computing education, beginning with a one-year introductory computing curriculum. The aim of this pilot project is to construct a database of two problem case studies to be used in three quarters, or two semesters, of courses in the algorithms and programming area. The case studies integrate the teaching of theory, abstraction, design, implementation, and experimentation into a new core curriculum for undergraduates from a growing community of disciplines. Each case study is complete in that it contains instruction in all topics relevant to its problem, as well as exercises and laboratory manuals to support the implementation and experimentation components. The database is integrated with information processing tools appropriate for supporting ongoing competence tracking, optimization targeting, and module refinement. Empirical evaluation plays a key role in the project, and ongoing effectiveness evaluation is built into the curriculum design.
