About PALMS for CS1

NOTE: As of January 2020 this site is considered “archived” and is no longer being maintained.

The PALMS (Problem-Oriented Animated Learning Modules) for CS1 project involves a set of learning modules designed to enhance the ability of first-year students to succeed in introductory Computer Science (CS1) courses. These modules are designed to address our two main objectives:

  • Enhance the problem-solving skills of first-year students: These modules contain custom content and projects designed to build problem-solving skills in introductory CS, with interactive audio and video components and module-specific assessments.
  • Illustrate the applicability of CS to other fields: Each module includes custom projects that demonstrate the use of CS and programming to solve specific problems from other disciplines (e.g. Physics, Psychology, Medicine). By showing the relevance of CS in today’s world, we hope that students will be motivated to continue study in this field.

All of the PALMS modules include the following core elements:

  • Learning Objectives
    • Module-specific, but each module builds on prior modules
  • Assignments from multiple domains
    • To show the applicability of CS to multiple disciplines
    • Module projects build on one another
  • Content and Relevant animations
    • Custom animations are used to demonstrate project topics
    • Custom animations are used for learning content (audio-enhanced)

All materials created by:

Jeffrey A. Stone, Ph.D.
Pennsylvania State University
stonej@psu.edu

Tricia Clark
Pennsylvania State University
tkc3@psu.edu