Using Greenfoot and a Using Greenfoot and a Moon Scenario Moon Scenario

to Teach Java Programming to Teach Java Programming in CS1in CS1

Randy J. GallantRandy J. Gallant

&&

Dr. Qusay MahmoudDr. Qusay MahmoudACMSE 2008

OutlineOutline

ProblemsProblemsSolutionsSolutionsGreenfootGreenfootGoing to the Moon ProjectGoing to the Moon ProjectDemoDemoTesting, Acceptance & DevelopmentTesting, Acceptance & DevelopmentProject InformationProject InformationQuestionsQuestions

Problems with Learning Problems with Learning ProgrammingProgramming

Learning programming is boring at first.Learning programming is boring at first.

Hard to keep students attention.Hard to keep students attention.

Hours of endless coding before any Hours of endless coding before any displayable results.displayable results.

SolutionsSolutions

Make the programming environment more Make the programming environment more user friendly and entertaining.user friendly and entertaining.

Cater to the students enjoyment of Cater to the students enjoyment of electronic games to keep their attention.electronic games to keep their attention.

Use graphics to show immediate visual Use graphics to show immediate visual results of a working program.results of a working program.

Introducing GreenfootIntroducing Greenfoot

Grid style worldGrid style world GraphicsGraphics MovementMovement SoundsSounds

Open source JavaOpen source Java

Greenfoot EditorGreenfoot Editor

Going to the MoonGoing to the Moon

10 Labs 10 Labs Used to learn the basic Java programming and Used to learn the basic Java programming and

Greenfoot skills.Greenfoot skills.

Final Capstone ProjectFinal Capstone ProjectUsed to test the acquired programming skills of the Used to test the acquired programming skills of the

students.students.

Topics of the10 LabsTopics of the10 Labs

Lab 1 Lab 1 Exploring GreenfootExploring Greenfoot Lab 2 Lab 2 Working with Existing ScenariosWorking with Existing Scenarios Lab 3 Lab 3 Basic Space TravelBasic Space Travel Lab 4 Lab 4 Add and Remove ObjectsAdd and Remove Objects Lab 5 Lab 5 Grid Positioning & FuelGrid Positioning & Fuel Lab 6 Lab 6 Trip to the MoonTrip to the Moon Lab 7 Lab 7 The Return Trip back to EarthThe Return Trip back to Earth Lab 8 Lab 8 Creating Object Actors / GraphicsCreating Object Actors / Graphics Lab 9 Lab 9 Sounds and Advanced GraphicsSounds and Advanced Graphics Lab 10 Lab 10 Keyboard InputKeyboard Input

Project DemoProject Demo

Demo Lab 6Demo Lab 6

Lab 6 InstructionsLab 6 Instructions

Demo Final Capstone ProjectDemo Final Capstone ProjectCorrect codeCorrect codeIncorrect codeIncorrect code

Testing, Acceptance & Testing, Acceptance & DevelopmentDevelopment

In current discussions with faculty at Humber to try using this In current discussions with faculty at Humber to try using this project in coming semesters.project in coming semesters.

This project will be used by Dr. Mahmoud to teach Java to senior This project will be used by Dr. Mahmoud to teach Java to senior year high school students in a special project at the University of year high school students in a special project at the University of Guelph in April – June 2008.Guelph in April – June 2008.

I will be using this project to teach an introductory to Java I will be using this project to teach an introductory to Java programming course in September 2008 at Humber College.programming course in September 2008 at Humber College.

““Going to the Moon” was demonstrated at ACM SIGCSE Going to the Moon” was demonstrated at ACM SIGCSE conference in Portland, on Greenfoot day in March 2008.conference in Portland, on Greenfoot day in March 2008.

Project InformationProject Information Website for the Going to the Moon ProjectWebsite for the Going to the Moon Project

http://cmer.cis.uoguelph.ca/gotomoon/

Website contains:Website contains: General & Contact InformationGeneral & Contact Information All 10 Lab InstructionsAll 10 Lab Instructions All 10 Unfinished Lab Scenario CodesAll 10 Unfinished Lab Scenario Codes Capstone Project Instructions Capstone Project Instructions Unfinished Capstone Project Scenario Code Unfinished Capstone Project Scenario Code

Finished Scenarios available for Instructors by request Finished Scenarios available for Instructors by request only!only!

Thank You.Thank You.

Any questions?Any questions?

http://cmer.cis.uoguelph.ca/gotomoon/

Email: randy.gallant@humber.caEmail: randy.gallant@humber.ca