Computer Science 1: Introduction to Programming
Status: 3rd year of classroom implementation

Course Overview
This is a project-based course in which students learn basic computer programming concepts and are exposed to advanced coverage of topics that were introduced in the prerequisite course, Introduction to Computing. Students will focus on problem solving as they create programs using Karel the Robot, and then move on to more complex programming using JavaScript. This course introduces students to dynamic web page design, and themes in the future of computing and technology. Students will design and implement a dynamic web site and create to present a futuristic technology design.
FAQ:Why use Karel to teach programming?

Module Descriptions

Module 1: Introductory Programming
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer programming in a gentle, highly empowering way. Students are introduced to Karel the Robot, a simulated robot in a simple two-dimensional world. Karel is controlled through a small set of intuitive instructions, embedded in control structures which are similar to those used in all programming languages. Students gradually learn the constructs of the Karel programming language through examples and hands-on exercises. By using Karel to solve a wide variety of problems, students learn many important programming concepts and improve their problem-solving skills.

Module 2: Future of Computing
Students gain an understanding of the present state of computing, various fields of research and exciting new areas and technologies such as ubiquitous computing. Current limitations on the field are discussed, and students are encouraged to think about career/academic opportunities in computer science. Students are asked to invent and design a new technology and then present it to the class in a Web page.

Module 3: Web Programming
This module introduces students to dynamic web pages and more advanced programming through use of the JavaScript language (building on knowledge of HTML and Karel). Students learn the basic constructs of the JavaScript language, while developing their own interactive website. Students learn how to manipulate JavaScript snippets to fit their own purposes, and gradually learn to code their own functions. Students adapt their Future of Computing sites to make them dynamic.

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