Planning for instruction: CS21A
Following tips from http://trc.virginia.edu/Publications/UVaTeaching/I1.htm
In CS21A, I expect students to learn how to write graphical Java applets and applications that use conditionals, control structures, and collections to solve problems. I also expect them to learn how to learn new functions and ideas from documentation, and develop the habit of object-oriented design and decomposition. They should also master tracing and debugging programs.
To measure their ability to learn independently by referring to documentation and experimenting with programs, I will give open-ended laboratory exercises and credit for things learned outside class. I will also give research-style assignments.
To measure their ability to read and trace through code, I will have drills and other exercises.
To measure their ability to debug, I will give them programming exercises where they have to test and debug source code.
To develop their ability to design objects, I will present them with situations and ask them to identify the objects, methods and attributes in an assignment that spans several sessions.
Students must know how to move and copy files on the computer in order to submit their projects. Arithmetic is also required.
Self-evaluations, laboratory work, quizzes.
Most of my instruction will be in the form of written supplements and laboratory activities. I will also demonstrate code in class.
The topic outline will be central to the course webpage. Assignments will highlight which topics they are relevant to, and assignments will also be cross-referenced with the topics so that students who want to practice a particular topic can choose among the available exercises.
I expect 20 students in my CS classes and 30 students in my MIS classes.
Almost all CS students approach this as a relevant major course. MIS students might not see the relevance of the course to their future work. I occasionally get non-majors.
I can assign short homework (~ 15, 30 minutes to complete) for the lecture days. Most lab work should be done in class. Students are expected to devote outside time to work on their projects. Realistically speaking, I should expect no more than 4 hours a week, preferably set up as two long blocks.
Most of my students will need some correction.
I would like to prepare courseware for this. I expect to devote an average of 2 hours preparing for each class session.
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