Computational Thinking for Information Technology

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP OBJECTIVES This course will enable you to develop logical thinking skills, including: • Asking probing questions to uncover details of a problem • Clearly defining a problem • Anticipating and evaluating effects of design options • Making design decisions based on rational criteria • Seeing the “big picture” • Deconstructing the problem into component parts • Identifying steps required to solve a problem

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP OBJECTIVES (cont.) This course will enable you to develop logical thinking skills, including: • Identifying sequence of steps including possible decisions and alternatives • Measuring and adapting the solution to optimize resource utilization • Measuring and evaluating solutions against the success criteria • Adjusting the design and implementation as needed

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP Expectations In your first months here, you will learn new technologies, research cutting-edge technologies, prepare documents, create and deliver presentations, and design and develop websites for clients. These assignments may take you out of your comfort zone and push you to think in new ways. However, we are certain that the excitement of solving these challenges will more than make up for the difficulties you might encounter.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP We expect each of you to make the client’s needs your priority by contributing to your team and producing quality, finished products on time. We have worked hard to develop a reputation for excellence, and are currently the industry leader in consulting services in information technology. We hope to be the industry leader in the region within the next five years. I hope you will be an integral part of helping us reach that goal.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • About our consulting • We are a premier information technology solution provider. We specialize in providing reliable solutions for businesses in today's fast-paced technology world. The company is dedicated to providing clients with the most powerful IT products, solutions and strategies that keep their businesses on the cutting edge of technology.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • We are committed to personal and professional integrity, honesty, and open communications with our clients. We seek long-term relationships with our clients. • The Community College and University IT (CCUIT) Division is responsible for providing consulting services for educational institutions systems. CCUIT is the largest division in the company and key to the company’s success.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • Your role • Our excellent reputation is spreading. As a result, within the last year, we have seen a surge in the number of new clients seeking our services. In turn, this has allowed us to hire new employees such as you to help us to deliver these services. You have been assigned to the Community College and University IT Services Division. The division is primarily responsible for providing consulting services for educational institutions.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • Since many of the clients you will be working for are new clients to the company, I would like to ask you to start building a good relationship with your client. Pay attention to customer service skills, communicate often, and most importantly provide your client with finished products that are up to our standard of excellence. • This is a fast-paced working environment. I hope you will enjoy and be up to the challenge. • Welcome aboard!

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP TASKS AND ASSIGNMENTS Please complete the following tasks in sequence, paying attention to particular requirements given in the task. There may also be guidelines for evaluation of effort, and of course that describes how your efforts will be judged.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • Select a mobile application idea to develop. Then you will create at least one PowerPoint slide to demonstrate your idea. Your slide presentation must explain: • The problem your mobile application is solving • How your application will solve the problem • The tools you will use to develop the application • The approach you will take to develop the app

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • You will then present the idea before the class and your fellow classmates will select the best ideas. Those who have their ideas chosen will become the team leaders for the project and they will choose their teammates and head up the development. • To prepare you for this task you will be given App Inventor and some basic tutorial instruction to demonstrate what App Inventor allows you to create and what it cannot do.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • In Task 2 the team leaders of the selected concepts will choose his/her teammates to help develop the mobile application. To encourage you to explore App Inventor features, your project must meet or exceed the following technical requirements. Your app must include at a minimum… • Three objects that you place in the app • Three interactive items • Object motion and/or color change • To prepare you for this task you will be given App Inventor and some basic tutorial instruction to demonstrate how to program using it.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • Note that the instruction you receive will not be adequate to enable you to fully develop an application. As such, you are expected to complete other tutorials available online, as well as using App Inventor's forums and message boards to enhance your learning and ability to develop your application. Your manager expects you to use the resource available to you first before seeking his or her assistance. • Each individual in the group will assess themselves and the other members of the group.

HOME | OBJECTIVES| WELCOME| TASK 1 | TASK 2 | TASK 3 | HELP • In Task 3 you must write an individual journal entry that describes your experience working with a team on this project. In particular, answer the following questions: • What problem are you solving with your app? • What did you learn working on this project? • What was difficult working with App Inventor? • How did you overcome these difficulties?

Computational Thinking for Information Technology