Post on 04-Jan-2016
An Engaging Introduction ToComputer Science
Making Our Students ThinkFor Themselves!
Computer Science Has A Severe Reputation Problem
an + bn = cn not possible for n > 2
Wish list…
• Enthusiasm for the subject• Confident interactions with others• Asses themselves and other people• Challenge facts• Solve problems creatively
I am part of the problem
Greenfoot
Michael Kolling – University of Kent
DAY 1…
Real code
and it’s fun
Greenfoot
Michael Kolling – University of Kent
Does coursework in a foreign language make it easier
to be immersed in the new languageor
is immersion the only way to learn?
Projects to avoid...
• Calculating Pi or Fibonacci numbers
• Widget manufacturing• HR or Payroll Systems• Anything involving
companies called Acme or Northwind
• University student management systems
Barbara EricsonAnd
Mark Guzdial
Georgia Tech
Media Computation
Colour and Geometry
Contrast enhancement and image sharpening
Challenging maths!
Chromakey
Chicken on the moon
• Logic• Networks• Abstraction• The Internet• Algorithm design• Binary arithmetic• Software testing• Database design & SQL• Pictures, videos and
sound
Lecture
The process of transferring instructor’s notestostudent notebooks...
...without passing through the brains of either.
Eric Mazur – Havard
Peer Instruction In Physics Lectures
Eric Mazur – Havard
• 1 minute – pose the question• 2 minutes – think individually• Write the answer down on paper• Several minutes peer discussion• Share the solution
Start with silence
Outcomes…
• Students still regard the subject as ‘cool’.• They engage quickly with the course and often
exceed assignment requirements• They collaborate well in teams• Creative problem solving is a well developed habit
Thank you!
an + bn = cn not possible for n > 2