Introduction to Programming Environments for Secondary
Education CS 1140 Dr. Ben Schafer Department of Computer
Science
Slide 2
Getting to know you Pull out a sheet of notebook paper and fold
it in half the long way. Using one of the markers I will pass
around, write your first name and last initial (or the name you
would like to be called). While I am moving around the room and
taking pictures, please complete the getting to know you sheet I
handed out.
Slide 3
Getting Started 1.Name : Dr. Ben Schafer 2.Hometown : Ames
originally but 3.Class : Fourteenth year (plus 5 as an undergrad)
4.Can you program? What languages: Yes. Too many to list, but Java
and Python are the ones I use the most. 5.Anything you should know
about me : My handwriting can be messy My voice can get loud.
Slide 4
6. Why should a teaching major take a computer programming
course?
Slide 5
Slightly off topic question? How many years of each of the
following do you need to graduate high school in Iowa? English Math
Science Social Studies
Slide 6
Slightly off topic question? How many years of each of the
following do you need to graduate high school in Iowa? English 4
years Math 3 years Science 3 years Social Studies 3 years
Slide 7
Why do we require this from everyone? Because we consider these
to be basic literacy or tools necessary of all members of modern
society. But isnt basic knowledge of the computer ALSO a tool?
Slide 8
Which tool would you rather use?
Slide 9
Ill admit, just like other tools, we have to be careful they
arent misused
Slide 10
But it is a helpful skill to understand how to turn the
computer from the thing on the desk into a powerful tool that helps
us solve problems? Bioinformatics
Slide 11
6. Why should a teaching major take a computer programming
course? 1) To become more computer literate/savvy. 2) To keep up
with your students. 3) To learn some of the tools you might get to
use on the job. 4) To make your life easier.
Slide 12
9. Interesting questions Calculate the atomic weight of a
particular compound. Which Olympic sport am I the best size for?
Classify and rank each of the NFL quarterbacks on their performance
in the 2013 regular season. Determine which words/ideas are most
important to each of the candidates running for governor this fall.
Find out how many of companys customers live in each state.
Slide 13
A brief look at course logistics Take the time outside of class
to thoroughly read the course syllabus (paper copy given to you,
but also posted to the class website). Some highlights
Slide 14
Syllabus - General Course Information MWF 12:00-12:50 PM, ITTC
322 Pre-requisites : NONE. There is no programming experience
expected.
Slide 15
Syllabus - Instructor Information Formal office hours (ITTC
316) MWF 9:00-9:50, 11:00-11:50 and 1:00-1:50 Having said that, I
follow an open door policy To make an appointment No appointment
needed for regular office hours. Send me an email with a proposed
meeting time
Slide 16
Syllabus - General Course Information I use the Internet a lot
Class website (NOT the eLearning site)
www.cs.uni.edu/~schafer/1140/ Lecture notes, announcements,
assignments Lecture recordings (but dont depend on these) Email
Announcements and discussions
Slide 17
Course Structure The course is divided into several units and a
final project. Units include: Scratch Basic python control
Manipulating data using python LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics Code.org
new K-5 curriculum??? Classroom Application Project Choice of
several projects (~1)
Slide 18
Syllabus Policies and Grades Activity QuantityApproximate
Points Practice Labs~22 at 10 each 220 Programming Assignments~12
at 25 each 300 Final Application Project180 Final Exam1200
Slide 19
Syllabus Scholastic Conduct I take scholastic conduct
SERIOUSLY! You are responsible for being familiar with the
universitys Academic Ethics Policies
(http://www.uni.edu/pres/policies/301.shtml) and my comments on
scholastic conduct in my course. General rule Discussing the ideas
in a homework assignment is acceptable. Copying code or answers is
not. Programming next to each other is not. First and foremost,
your final submission for any assignment should be your own
individual, original work unless otherwise specified.
Slide 20
Be aware of things that are distracting! (and not allowed) Cell
phones Laptops
Slide 21
Prepare for lecture! Read the text selections before the start
of lecture and complete any class prep assignment. On the course
evaluations for the last two semesters, the NUMBER ONE answer to
the question I could have improved my learning in this course by
was some variation of read the textbook Guidelines for Success in
this Course
Slide 22
Be on time. Class sessions will start promptly at 12:00. I will
collect assignments at that time and will often start with
important announcements. Write code on your own! Think of simple
problems on your and solve them. If you wonder "what if," TRY
IT!
Slide 23
Guidelines for Success in this Course Start assignments early
so you have time to ask questions. Face to face questions are
better than email questions. If you email me the night before
something is due you shouldnt get mad if I dont respond. If you
spend more than 15 minutes staring at the computer stuck on
something, ask for help! Make use of the office hours early! Don't
wait until late in the term to seek help.
Slide 24
Guidelines for Success in this Course You can (and should)
program from home Remember, programming takes practice. You may not
get it the first time, but keep trying, asking for help, and
caring. Eventually, you might find out that you are pretty good at
this whole process!
Slide 25
Rooms you should know! ITTC 322 Lectures ITTC 305 The
departmental office ITTC 316 My office ITTC 335 Student Lounge
Wright 112 Teaching Lab Wright 339 Open-lab
