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Dr. Ela Zur

Contact Info

The Open University of Israel Department of Mathematics and Computer Science 1 University Road P.O.B. 808 Ra’anana 4353701, Israel
Office:972-9-7781264 Email:ela@openu.ac.il

Additional Information

I focus on research issues like: algorithmic thinking, misconceptions in computer science, learning from mistakes, the teaching of difficult subjects such as complexity, misleading intuition, development of study programs for teachers of computer science, collaborative programming in distance education, website usage in a computer science course given in a distance learning environment

Areas of Interest
  • Computer Science Education Research
  • Teacher Preparation and Certification
  • Computer Science Distance Education

I examine various aspects of teaching and learning Computer Science. The research deals with a variety of ages - from middle-school students to students in higher-education institutes. I focus on issues such as algorithmic thinking, Computer Science misconceptions, the teaching of complex concepts such as recursion, complexity and efficiency, OOP, etc. In addition, I also conducted studies related to integration of technologies and visualizations in Computer Science education, research regarding distance education and studies related to development of pre-service and in-service Computer Science teacher.

2000
Ph. D., School of Education, Science Education, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
1990
M.A., Summa cum Laude, School of Education, Science Education, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
1981
B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science, School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
2012 - present
Course Coordinator of the course: "Graduate Project in Computer Science".
1987 - present
Member of the Computer Science Department, The Open University of Israel.
1996 - present
Course Coordinator of the course: "Seminar: Topics in Computer Science Education". Supervision of seminar papers of more than 80 students following the "Seminar: Topics in Computer Science Education".
1996 - present
Supervision of the field experience, in the Computer Science teaching certificate program.
1996 - present
Coordinating the Computer Science teaching certificate. 
2012-2021
Course Coordinator of the course: "Fundamentals of Programming with Java".
1997 - 2020
Member of the organizing team of the international Computer Science Olympics for high school students.
2000 - 2004
Lecturer, Computer Science Education Division, Beit-Berl College.
1996 - 2007
Instructor of the course: "Introduction to Computer Science".
1991 - 1995
Member of the Computer Science team, The Science Teaching Department, Weizmann Institute of Science.
1987 - 1996
Course Coordinator of the course: "Data Structures".
1987 - 1994
Lecturer, Computer Science Education Division, The College of Management.
1983 - 1986
Software Engineer, Dagesh, Tel-Aviv.
1981 - 1983
Software Engineer, Hapoalim Bank, Tel-Aviv.
1977 - 1981
Israeli Military Computer Science Center, Data Processing Department.

1987 – present -  Students' consultant, The Open University of Israel.

2002 - present -  Chair of Computer Science Graduate Program Committee, The Open University of Israel.

2002 - 2008 - Ombudsman in the Computer Science Department, The Open University of Israel.

2000 – present -   Member of the Academic Subcommittee for Mathematics and Computer Science, The  Open University of Israel.

1995 – present -   Member of the Study Program Approval Committee, The Open University of Israel.

2007 -   Member of the Persistence Committee (A relative New OU project).

2007 -   Member of the Learning Skills Committee (A relative New OU project).

1994 - 1995

Development the study-guide of the course "Seminar: Topics in Computer Science Education".

1991 - 1995

• Development of the textbook: “Fundamentals of Computer Science 1", Computer Science team, The Science Teaching Department, Weizmann Institute of Science.
• Development of the teacher's guide: “Fundamentals of Computer Science 1", Computer Science team, The Science Teaching Department, Weizmann Institute of Science.
• Development of the textbook: “Fundamentals of Computer Science 2", Computer Science team, The Science Teaching Department, Weizmann Institute of Science.
• Development of the teacher's guide: “Fundamentals of Computer Science 2", Computer Science team, The Science Teaching Department, Weizmann Institute of Science.

M.A., "Developing Algorithm Thinking", Supervisors: J. Gal-Ezer& G. Zwas.

Ph.D., "Detecting Difficulties in the Perception of the Concept: 'Algorithm Efficiency', Supervisors: J. Gal-Ezer & G. Zwas.

Zohar D., Benaya T., Zur E. Cyber and Internet Module Using Python in Junior-High School. In: Auer M., Tsiatsos T. (eds) The Challenges of the Digital Transformation in Education. ICL 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 916. Springer, Cham, (2020), 757-767.

Benaya, T., Zur, E., Dagiene, V. & Stupuriene, G. Computer Science High School Curriculum in Israel and Lithuania – Comparison and Teachers' Views, Baltic J. Modern Computing, Vol. 5 (2017),  No. 2, 164-182.

Vilner, T. & Zur, E. Examining the CS1 Exams, Mathematics and Computer Education, Vol. 50,  no. 1 Winter 2016, 11-33.

Zur, E. & Benaya, T. Computer Science Teacher Training – Exposure to Academic Research, Mathematics and Computer Education, Vol. 49, no. 2 Spring 2015, 80-90.

Dagiene, V., Zur, E. & Benaya T. International Olympiad in Informatics: Team Selection, Training, and Statistics – The Tale of Two Countries, OLYMPIADS IN INFORMATICS International Journal, Vol. 8, 2014.

Zur, E., Vilner, T. & Tavor, S., Integrating Greenfoot into CS1 – a Case Study, Mathematics and Computer Education, 48, 1, 2014, 29-42.

Vilner, T., Zur, E. & Sagi, R. Integrating Video Components in CS1, Inroads SIGCSE Bulletin, March 2012, 123-128.

Zur, E., Benaya T., Becker O., & Ginat, D. Israel – The Regional Competition and Teacher Involvement, OLYMPIADS IN INFORMATICS International Journal, Vol. 6, 2012, 218-225.

Averbuch H., Benaya, T. & Zur, E. Criteria for Writing Exams which Reflect the K12 CS Foundations Study Material, Informatics in Schools, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 7013), Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011, 225-235.

Zur, E., Benaya T., Becker, O.  & Ginat, D. IOI Israel: The Regional and National Competitions, OLYMPIADS IN INFORMATICS International Journal, Vol.5, 2011, 161-168.

Zur, E., Benaya T. & Ginat, D. IOI Israel – Team Selection, Training, and Statistics, OLYMPIADS IN INFORMATICS International Journal, Vol.4, 2010, 151-157.

Brandes, O., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. Software Design Course for Leading CS In-Service Teachers, Teaching Fundamental Concepts of Informatics, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 5941), Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010, 49-60.

Armoni, M., Benaya, T., Ginat, D. & Zur, E. Didactics of Introduction to Computer Science in High School, Teaching Fundamental Concepts of Informatics, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 5941), Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010, 36-48.

Gal-Ezer, J., Shahak, D. & Zur, E. Computer Science Issues in High school: Gender and more…, Inroads SIGCSE Bulletin, September 2009, 41(3), 278-282.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. The Professor on Your PC: A Virtual CS1 Course, Inroads SIGCSE Bulletin, September 2009, 41(3), 191-195

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. Has the Paradigm Shift in CS1 a Harmful Effect on Data Structures Courses: A Case Study, Inroads SIGCSE Bulletin, March 2009, 41(1), 126-130.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. Student Coaching for Retention in a Distance Learning Environment, Asian Journal of Distance Education, 4, 2, 2009, 86-96.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E., "High School Students Studying Towards an Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science", Mathematics and Computer Education, 2008, 42, 3, 229-237.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Understanding Object Oriented Programming Concepts in an Advanced Programming Course", Informatics Education – Supporting Computational Thinking, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS 5090), Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2008, 161-170.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Once She Makes it, She’s There!: A Case Study", Computer Science Education, 2008, 18, 1, 17-29.

Gal-Ezer, J. & Zur, E. "Reaching Out to CS Teachers: Certification via Distance Learning", Mathematics and Computer Education, 2007, 41, 3, 250-265.

Vilner, T., Zur, E. & Gal-Ezer, J. "Fundamental Concepts of CS1: Procedural vs. Object Oriented Paradigm - A Case Study", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 39, 3, 2007, 171-175, June 2007.

Benaya, T., Lerner, A. & Zur, E. "Graduate Studies - A Second Chance", Asian Journal of Distance Education, 5, 1, 2007, 4-19.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Website Usage in a Computer Science Course Given in a Distance Learning Environment", European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 2007/I.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Collaborative Programming Projects in an Advanced CS Course", Journal of  Computing Sciences in Colleges, 22, 6 , 2007, 125-135.

Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Once She Makes it, She is There: Gender Differences in Computer Science Study", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 38, 3, 2006, 227-231.

Gal-Ezer, J., Mendes, A. J., Nordstom, M., Vilner, T, Weir, R. S. G. & Zur, E. "Difficulties in teaching JAVA in CS1 and how we try to solve it", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 37, 3, 2005, 344.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Advanced Programming in Java Workshop - Teaching Methodology", ACM  SIGCSE Bulletin, 37, 3, 2005, 348.

Barker, L., Gal-Ezer, J., Guzdial, M., Irani, L., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Contrasting Women’s Experiences in Computer Science at Different Institutions", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 37, 1, 2005, 63.

Zur, E. & Vilner, T. "Teaching Certificate in Computer Science - Didactics Workshop", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 36, 3, 2004, 240.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Can Students Improve Their Undergraduate Achievements and Get Accepted to Graduate School?", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 36, 3, 2004, 246.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. Teaching Algorithms' Efficiency at CS1 Level: A Different Approach, Computer Science Education, 2004, 14, 3, 235-248.

Boyle, R., Rountree, N., Wilson, B. C., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Predictors For Success In Studying CS", ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 36, 1, 2004, 145.

Gal-Ezer, J. & Zur, E. "The Efficiency of Algorithms – Misconceptions", Computers and Education, 2004, 42, 3, 215-226.

Zohar D., Benaya T., Zur E. (2020) Cyber and Internet Module Using Python in Junior-High School. ICL2018 – The Challenges of the Digital Transformation in Education, September 2018, 118-129.

Zur E. & Benaya T. Computer Science Teacher Training, 16th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training- ITHET 2017, July 2017.

Zohar D., Zur E. & Benaya T. Encouraging Girls to Study Computer Science in High School, 11th annual International Technology, Education and Development Conference – INTED 2017, March 2017, 10034-10041.

Zohar D., Benaya T. & Zur E. Computer Science in High school: Girls' Attitudes towards Gender Separation, Proceedings of the International Conference on Informatics in Schools – ISSEP 2016, October 2016, 67-68 (poster).

Benaya, T., Dagiene, V. &  Zur, E. Teachers' Attitudes towards CS High School Curriculum in Israel and Lithuania, Proceedings of the International Conference on Informatics in Schools – ISSEP 2016, October 2016, 41-42 (poster).

Benaya, T., Dagiene, V. &  Zur, E. CS High School Curriculum – A Tale of Two Countries, Proceedings of the2015 IFIP TC3 Working Conference "A New Culture of Learning: Computing and Next Generations", July 2015, 61-72.

Zur, E. & Vilner, T. Examining the "Introduction to Computer Science" exams, SITE 2015- The 26th annual conference of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, March 2015.

Zur, E. & Vilner, T. Assessing the Assessment - Insights into CS1 Exams, FIE 2014 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2014/index.htm.

Benaya, T., Zur, E. Exposing Computer Science Prospective Teachers to Academic Research, poster, Proceedings of the2014 EDEN Annual Conference – From Education to Employment and Meaningful Work with ICTs, June 2014, 93.

Gal-Ezer, J., Zur, E. What (else) should CS Educators Know? – Revisited. WiPSCE - The 8th Workshop in Primary and Secondary Computing Education, November 2013.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur E., Examining at a DISTANCE - HOW does it work? EDEN - European Distance and E-Learning Network 2013 Annual Conference, June 2013.

Zur, E.; Benaya, T.; Vilner, T. (2012) Computer Science Certificate – Career Retraining and Further Education, Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities, October 2012.

Zur, E., Benaya T., Becker, O. & Ginat, D. Israel: The Regional Competition and Teacher Involvement, IOI 2012 - Proceedings of the 6th Olympiad in Informatics Conference, September 2012, 218-225.

Zur, E.; Benaya, T.; Vilner, T. (2012) Computer Science Teaching Certificate via Distance Learning – Career Retraining and Further Education, Proceedings of the 2012 EDEN Annual Conference – Open Learning Generations, June 2012.

Averbuch H., Benaya, T. & Zur, E. Criteria for Writing Exams which Reflect the K12 CS Foundations Study Material, ISSEP 2011, October 2011.

Zur, E., Benaya T., Becker, O. & Ginat, D. IOI Israel: The Regional and National Competitions, IOI 2011 - Proceedings of the 5th Olympiad in Informatics Conference, July 2011, 161-168.

Vilner, T., Zur, E. & Tavor, S. Integrating Greenfoot into CS! – a Case Study, ITiCSE 2011 - Proceedings of the 16th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, June 2011, Poster, 350.

Vilner, T., Zur, E. & Tavor, S. Using Greenfoot in Teaching Inheritance in CS1, ITiCSE 2011 - Proceedings of the 16th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, June 2011, Tips & Techniques, 342.

Benaya, T., Zur, E. Overseas Students Studying Computer Science at a Distance Learning Environment, Proceedings of the2011 EDEN Annual Conference – Learning and Sustainability, June, 2011

Zur, E., Benaya, T. & Ginat, D. IOI Israel – Team Selection, Training, and Statistics, IOI 2010 - Proceedings of the 4th Olympiad in Informatics Conference, Vol. 4, August 2010, 151-157.

Benaya, T., Herman, M., Shachak, D. & Zur, E. Individual and Group Seminars and Workshops in the Computer Science Curriculum, ITiCSE 2010 - Proceedings of the 15th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, June 2010, 53-57.

Brandes, O., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. Software Design Course for Leading CS In-Service Teachers, ISSEP 2010, January 2010.

Armoni, M., Benaya, T., Ginat, D. & Zur, E. Didactics of Introduction to Computer Science in High School, ISSEP 2010, January 2010.

Gal-Ezer, J., Shahak, D. & Zur, E. "Computer Science Issues in High school: Gender and more….", ITiCSE 2009 - Proceedings of the 14th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, July 2009, 278-282.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. " The Professor on Your PC: A Virtual CS1 Course", ITiCSE 2009 - Proceedings of the 14th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, July 2009, 191-195.

Vilner, T., Gal-Ezer, J. & Zur, E. "Recursive Thinking in CS1", IEEII 2008 – Proceedings of the  Informatics Education Europe III Conference, December 2008

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Student Coaching for Retention in a Distance Learning Environment", Proceedings of the 22nd AAOU Annual Conference, October 2008, 376-389.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Understanding Object Oriented Programming Concepts in an Advanced Programming Course", ISSEP 2008, June 2008.

Zur, E., Vilner, T. & Gal-Ezer, J. "Space Complexity in CS1", IEEII 2007 - Proceedings of the Informatics Education Europe II Conference, November 2007, 126-135.

Vilner, T., Zur, E. & Gal-Ezer, J. "The Paradigm Shift from Procedural to Object Oriented: A Case Study", Poster, SIGCSE 2007 - Proceedings of the 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 2007.

Zur, E. & Vilner, T. "Does the Understanding of Time Complexity Lead to the Understanding of Space Complexity?", Poster, SIGCSE 2007 - Proceedings of the 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 2007.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Student Participation in a Web-Based Computer Science Course", FIE 2006 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2006/index.html.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Student Activities in a Computer Science Web-Based Course", Methods, Materials and Tools for Programming Education 2006, May 2006, 121-123.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Collaborative Programming in an Advanced Programming Workshop Conducted in a Distance Learning Environment", Methods, Materials and Tools for Programming Education 2006, May 2006, 48-55.

Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Once She Makes it, She is There: Gender Differences in Computer Science Study", Poster, SIGCSE 2006 – Proceedings of the 37th Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 2006.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "High School Students Studying Towards an Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science", Poster, SIGCSE 2006 - Proceedings of the 37th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 2006, 580

Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Space Complexity at CS1 – Difficulties in Perceiving the Concept,, FIE 2006 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2006/index.htm.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Traditional and Web-Based Distance Education in Computer Science Courses", ICDE International Conference on Open Learning & Distance Education, November 2005, 115.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Advanced Programming in Java Workshop - Teaching Methodology", Poster, ITiCSE 2005 - Proceedings of the 10 th Annual SIGCSE Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, June 2005, 348.

Benaya, T., Lerner, A. & Zur, E. "M.Sc. Program - Towards Open Admission", Proceedings of the 18th Asian Association of Open Universities Annual Conference, November 2004, 127-130.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Distance Learning in Graduate School", Proceedings of the 18th Asian Association of Open Universities Annual Conference, November 2004, 155-158.

Benaya, T. & Zur, E. "Can Students Improve Their Undergraduate Achievements and Get Accepted to Graduate School", poster, ITiCSE 2004 - Proceedings of the 9th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education; June 2004, 246.

Rosenschein, J. S., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Programming Knowledge - Does it Affect Success in the Course "Introduction to Computer Science Using Java", Work in progress, FIE 2004 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2004/index.htm.

Zur, E. & Vilner, T. Teaching Certificate in Computer Science - Didactics Workshop. ITiCSE 2004 - The 9th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, June 2004, (Poster).

Boyle R., Rountree N., Wilson B. C., Vilner T. & Zur E. Predictors For Success In Studying CS. SIGCSE 2004 - The 35th Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, March 2004, (Panel).

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Characteristics of Students Who failed (or Succeeded) in Introductory CS course", Work in progress, FIE 2003 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2003/index.htm.

Gal-Ezer, J., Vilner, T. & Zur, E. "Teaching Algorithm Efficiency in a CS1 Course: A Different Approach", poster, ITiCSE 2003 - Proceedings of the 8th Annual SIGCSE Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education; June 2003, 256. 

Gal-Ezer, J. & Zur, E. "The concept of 'algorithm efficiency' in the high school CS curriculum", FIE 2002 (Frontiers in Education), proceedings: http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie20002/index.htm.