Overview IS 101Y/CMSC 101 Computational Thinking and Design Thursday, August 29, 2013 Carolyn Seaman...
-
Upload
nelson-farmer -
Category
Documents
-
view
216 -
download
0
Transcript of Overview IS 101Y/CMSC 101 Computational Thinking and Design Thursday, August 29, 2013 Carolyn Seaman...
Overview
IS 101Y/CMSC 101Computational Thinking and Design
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Carolyn SeamanSusan Martin
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Class Rules Minimize laptop (or tablet) multi-tasking
We will be using them frequently for in-class activities, so it’s ok to have them open
Use them to participate in class exercises, to take notes, to follow examples and lecture slides, etc.
OK to check for messages once, maybe twice during class No other uses are appropriate Nothing on your screen should be distracting to the people around
you
No Cell Phones Please keep your phones turned off and put away. Please resist the
temptation to check for texts during class
Food is OK... if it doesn’t make too much noise or make a mess or smell too much!
Thank you for keeping this class a distraction-free place for learning!
What is Computing/IT?<Your Answers Here>
Why Are You Considering IT?
<Your Answers Here>
Course ObjectivesAfter this course, students should be able to:
Discuss the characteristics and challenges of key areas of the computing disciplines.
Analyze and present data to support informed decision making.
Write basic programs using variables, conditional logic, and loops.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to succeed as a computing student and professional.
Work effectively in a team to solve a complex technological challenge.
This CourseExperimental course (funded by NSF) for
freshmen computing majors
GoalsSurvey breadth, nature, challenges, and
potential of computing disciplinesClarify differences between computing majors at
UMBC (BTA, IS, CMSC, CMPE)Build experience working productively in teamsDevelop key skills important to academic and
professional success
Assessment of impact and effectivenessSurveyFocus group and end-of-semester interviewReview of assignments
Consent FormsWe need your consent to collect data that will help
us evaluate the course
Evaluating the course is different from evaluating your work in the course
Signing the consent form says that:You understand that this class is part of a research
studyNo one is forcing you to participate in the research
part of the courseYou understand that the data we collect from you to
evaluate the course is confidential
Course StaffThe “other” section:
Instructors Dr. Marie desJardins (TTh 10-11:15)
OH: Wed 2-3pm, Th 3:30-4:30pm
Dr. Susan Martin (F 2-3) OH: Tue 11:30-12:30pm,
Thu 8:45-9:45am
Teaching Fellows Alec Pulianas (CE)
OH: Mon 2:30-3:30pm, Wed 11am-12pm
Emily Scheerer (CE) OH: Tue 5:30-6:30pm, Thu 11:30am-
12:30pm
Peer Mentors Mark Cirincione (CS) Gloria Diederich (CS/Math) Catherine Liou (IS) John Swank (CS)
This section:
Instructors Dr. Carolyn Seaman (TTh 1-2:15)
OH: Mon 12-2pm, Thu 2:30-4pm
Dr. Susan Martin (F 2-3) OH: Tue 11:30-12:30pm,
Thu 8:45-9:45am
Teaching Fellows Bhuvana Bellala (CS)
OH: Thu 5-6pm, Fri 1:30-2:30pm
Amanda Mancuso (IS) OH: Tue 2:30-3:30pm, Wed 1-2pm
Peer Mentors Austin Cole (IS) Nicole Dawson (IS) Brandon Walsh (CS) Max Weinberg (CS)
NOTE: Teaching fellows hold office hours in ITE 470.
Computational Thinking
Coined by Jeannette Wing, 2006
Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science.
CT PrinciplesConnecting computing: Understanding how computing
connects people and helps us to solve meaningful problems
Developing computational artifacts: Designing and implementing artifacts with a practical, personal, or societal intent
Abstracting: Identifying a computational problem to be solved; representing data, information, and knowledge for computational use
Analyzing problems and artifacts: Evaluating and justifying the quality of solutions; locating and correcting errors
CT Principles (cont.)
Communicating: Explaining the purpose of an artifact and the meaning of a result in context, using accurate and precise language, notation, or visualizations
Working effectively in teams: Effective teamwork and collaboration, producing artifacts that depend on active contributions from multiple participants
Computing Content Units Big Ideas
Computational thinking Algorithmic problem solving Design and abstraction History and careers
Data Data representations and data structures Big data and knowledge discovery Visualization
Hardware and Systems Computer architectures and operating systems Networks Software systems
People Requirements analysis Usability and accessibility Social and ethical implications
Applications Graphics and games Intelligence Security
Academic and Professional Skills
Working effectively As a student As a team member As a future professional
Soft skills Oral presentation Technical communication Microsoft Office software Networking Study habits and time management
Career planning
Administrivia
Late policy
Academic honesty
Tentative schedule All handouts and assignments will be linked in the “Handouts”
column on the date they are distributed Slides will be linked from the “Topic” column All assignments are due on the date indicated in the “Due”
column Assignments are always due at or before the beginning of class,
either electronically or in hardcopy, as specified in the assignment
If not officially registered, see me after class If you do not meet the course requirements (first-year
freshman intending a computing major), you must drop the class
Laptop LaboratoriesOn many days, we will use student laptops for
Processing labs and other online activities
How many students own their own laptops?Note: If you do not yet own a laptop but are
thinking of purchasing one, it will be a very useful resource in the future as a computing major!
Readings/Videos
Primary Textbook: “Computing for Ordinary Mortals” by Robert St. Amant
Processing Reference: “Getting Started with Processing” by Casey Reas and Ben Fry
Professional Development Textbook: “Making Your Mark”
Online articles and videos Mix of general and technical Some will be challenging (strategy)
All reading is to be completed before class on the day listed in syllabus Unannounced team and/or individual quizzes to assess preparation
and readiness for further learning Followed by discussion of unclear concepts
Assignments1. Professional development assignments
Surveys, journal entries, cover letter, and resume
2. Processing assignments
3. Data analysis assignment
4. Group peer evaluation
5. Quizzes
6. Team project
7. Midterm and final
Team Project
Teams design, develop, demonstrate, evaluate, and present a system to simulate and explore the process of student progression -- the “semester game”
PhasesDesignPrototype DemoPrototype EvaluationPosterPresentation
Experiences with TeamsWho has had experiences with team/group projects? • What was good about team projects?
• <YOUR THOUGHTS HERE>• What was frustrating?
• <YOUR THOUGHTS HERE>
Why Teams?Working on highly functioning teams is fun
Students learn more and perform better on teams
Working on teams helps students develop a network that will be useful in later classes
Working on teams is a key skill required for success in computing careers
How to Work on Teams?What might minimize negative aspects?
Peer assessmentPrevent loafingThink about your personal behaviorEffective communicationKeep an open mindCome prepared!!
Team StructureInitial teams for first few weeks
Permanent teams formed a few weeks into the semester
Team members receive the same grade on team quizzes/assignments/projects, except under extraordinary circumstances
Peer evaluation as part of final grade
Form TeamsSort yourselves by birthdate (month and day)
Do any two students have the same birthdate?Did the answer surprise you?
Count off into eight groupsCall out 1, 2, 3, ... 8, 1, 2, 3... along the line of
students by birthdate
Sit with your numbered team for the next activity
Meet with TeamIntroduce yourselves to each other!
Syllabus review exercise
Grade weight activity
Pick a catchy team name!
Make a team roster:Team nameMembers’ namesMembers’ email addressesTurn in the team roster, and make a copy for each
member!
Reminders You have assigned reading for tomorrow!
Making Your Mark, Chapter 1
You have assigned reading for Tuesday (9/3)! St. Amant, Chapter 1; Blown to Bits (online link), Chapter 1
NOTE: It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY from now on to check the schedule page and complete the reading before class.
Your first assignment (completing the Assessment Survey and Student Background Questionnaire) is due next Tuesday, September 3! A link for the Assessment Survey will be sent to you by email. If you do
not get the link, you must ask about it! The link to the Student Background Questionnaire is posted on the online
course schedule.
Start early (how about this weekend?!) on the upcoming assignments: Friday 9/6: Journal Entry #1, StrengthsQuest Tuesday 9/10: Processing Assignment #0, install and test
See You Next Week(and tomorrow!!)
Have a GreatHoliday Weekend!