Introduction to Programming Environments for Secondary Education

1. Introduction to Programming Environments for Secondary Education CS 1140 Dr. Ben Schafer Department of Computer Science

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.

3. Getting Started • Name : Dr. Ben Schafer • Hometown : Ames originally but … • Class : Thirteenth year (plus 5 as an undergrad) • Can you program? What languages: Yes. Too many to list, but Java and Python are the ones I use the most. • Anything you should know about me : • My handwriting can be messy • My voice can get loud.

4. 6. Why should a teaching major take a computer programming course?

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

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

7. Why do we require this from everyone? • Because we consider these to be basic literacy tools necessary of all members of modern society. • But isn’t basic knowledge of the computer ALSO a tool!

8. Which tool would you rather use?

9. I’ll admit, just like other tools, we have to be careful they aren’t misused

10. Bioinformatics 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?

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.

12. 7. 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 2012 regular season. • Determine which words/ideas were most important to each of the candidates running for president last fall. • Find out how many of company’s customers live in each state.

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…

14. Syllabus - General Course Information • MWF   12:00-12:50 PM, ITTC 322 • Pre-requisites : NONE. There is no programming experience expected.

15. Syllabus - Instructor Information • Formal office hours • MWF 11:00-11:50 and 1:00-1:50 (ITTC 316) • MWF 9:00-9:50 by appointment only(ITTC 316) • Having said that, I follow an open door policy • To make an appointment • Send me an email with a proposed meeting time

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 don’t depend on these) • Email • Announcements and discussions

17. Course Structure • The course is divided into four units and a final project. • Unit 1 – Scratch (4) • Unit 2 – Basic python control (4) • Unit 3 – Manipulating data using python (3) • Unit 4 – LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics (~2) • Classroom Application Project – Choice of several projects (~2)

18. Syllabus – Policies and Grades

19. Syllabus – Scholastic Conduct • I take scholastic conduct SERIOUSLY! • You are responsible for being familiar with the university’s 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.

20. Be aware of things that are distracting!(and not allowed) • Cell phones • Laptops

21. Guidelines for Success in this Course 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”

22. Guidelines for Success in this Course 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!

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 shouldn’t get mad if I don’t 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.

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!

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

26. Questions at this point?