Alice: A Fresh Approach to Teaching Computer Science

The Center for Visualization at Saint Joseph's University administers grants associated with the teaching of introductory computing using the programming environment Alice, a comprehensive approach that may well revolutionize the way computer science is being taught. The approach takes advantage of the high-level of interest in graphics, animation, and storytelling, commonly found among students who have grown up in a multi-media world.

In an NSF-based study, this exciting strategy proved effective with introductory college students in helping to maintain student enthusiasm for computer science and has been shown to improve the retention of computer science majors. We are working to extend this strategy into high school and middle school environments. By exciting young students about the possibilities in computing and providing them a positive experience, Alice may encourage these students to choose to major/minor in computing in college.

We run many Alice workshops, providing professional development for educators (middle-school, high-school, community college, and university teachers). The pages on this site will help you understand Alice, and investigate the curricular materials available to educators.

The Center for Visualization is located at 183 West City Avenue, near the corner of 54th Street and City Avenue.