Introduction to Programming
Trimester 1 Syllabus 2010-2011
Ms. Roshan
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Introduction to Programming course is designed to acquaint students with fundamental concepts in computer programming. Students will learn how to design and implement algorithms using computer programming. The course will begin with Scratch, a programming language developed by MIT’s Lifelong Kindergarten Group. Students will create interactive stories, animations, and games using puzzle-like block pieces to create their programs. Next, students will use the new App Inventor for Android, a programming tool to easily create mobile applications or modify existing ones. Similar to Scratch, App Inventor uses puzzle-like blocks to piece together applications using predefined objects. Finally, the basic principles of object-oriented programming will be explored using Alice, a programming
environment providing students with the ability to animate 3D objects in a virtual world.
TEXT AND MATERIALS
Wanda Danna, Stephen Cooper, and Randy Pausch, Learning to Program with Alice.
ASSESSMENT
Grades are based on homework/programming assignments, article reviews, quizzes, and a final exam, with the approximate breakdown as follows: homework/programming assignments/article reviews: 40%, quizzes: 40%, and final exam: 20%.
Much class time will be devoted to working on programming assignments. However, it will be necessary to work on these programming assignments outside of class, also. Each student will be required to install both Scratch and Alice on their home computer.
Article reviews will be submitted on a bi-weekly basis and will be the basis for class discussion on that day. Students should write a brief summary of a technology related article that they found interesting. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage students to read current news and to be able to research and learn about technology they find interesting.
EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to be prepared for class each day. They are expected to arrive on time, dress appropriately, and have necessary materials. Tardiness and dress code violations will be addressed as indicated in the Student Handbook. Students also should be familiar with the details and implications of the Honor Code and the Academic Honesty Policy. Missed graded work must be made up within TWO days of a student's return to class. A zero will be given on assignments or quizzes that are not taken within a reasonable period.
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