Module 0 - Getting Started

A gentle orientation to the basic ideas of a program, plus the format of the course, help-seeking behavior, and how to be an effective learner.

Before the week begins

• Read over this document
• Check out your classroom to make sure it fits the requirements

Major Topics

• Basics of programs, programming, programming languages, and computing in general

• Basic idea of execution

• How to be a good learner (working early/often, misconceptions about learning CS like learning styles)

• Help-seeking behavior (i.e. how to ask for help)

• Installation of Anaconda and a Text Editor locally

• Trying out BlockPy

Materials

• week0_day1_Introduction.pptx
• week0_day2_Python.pptx

Due This Week:

N/A

Graded This Week

N/A

Student Difficulty

Easy

Module 0 - Staff Meeting

Agenda:

• Everyone introduce (name, section, prof/GTA/UTA, year, major)

  • “I’m Dr. Bart, I’m the professor of the MWF section, this is my second year teaching, and I’m a professor in Computer Science”

• Resolve practical questions

• Assign TA homework

• Review course format (refer to the first chapter of this document)

  • How modules work, how lessons work

• Review course topics (refer to the first chapter of this document)

• Explain TA policies (refer to policy document on Google Drive)

• First activity for grading “Python Installation”

Things to Resolve:

• Who’s attending which class

Training Materials:

• For now, think about what makes a good or bad TA, write some things down.

• Next week, we’ll start talking about Ethics in TAing.

• Read over: http://www.cs.virginia.edu/luther/2910/S2017/fromTAs.html

Grading Reminders:

• N/A

Lessons

Lesson 1- Introduction

Summary: Programs are created by programmers to give computers instructions. Data comes in, the computer processes it, and then returns the result to the user.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe major course concepts and policies
• Use the Canvas site to access course materials
• Define “programming”
• Explain why programming is useful
• Identify limitations of programming
• Enumerate the core components of programs
• Write simple programs

Activities:

• Lesson: Introduction
• Quiz: Introduction
• Programming: Maze Game

Misconceptions:

• {“Maze 10 is tricky. Can be useful to remind students that their answer may not guide their avatar to the goal directly. Also helps to explain the Left-hand-on-wall rule (which doesn’t require a particular maze)”: ‘if there is a path to the left, go left; otherwise, if there is a path ahead, go ahead; otherwise go right.’}
• Some students fail to see how they need to place blocks WITHIN the [repeat] block in order to have commands execute repeatedly. Explaining the code aloud seems to help.

Lesson 2- Languages

Summary: Programs are written by programmers using programming languages such as Python.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the term “programming language”
• Describe the difference between syntax, grammar, and semantics
• Explain the meaning of the terms “run” and “execute”.
• Install Python on your laptop.
• Use BlockPy to run a program.

Activities:

• Lesson: Languages
• Quiz: Languages
• Programming: Python Installation

Misconceptions:

• Students do not follow the instructions very closely.

Lesson 3- Execution

Summary: A written program can be executed.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the meaning of the terms “run” and “execute”.
• Use BlockPy to run a program.

Activities:

• Lesson: Execution
• Quiz: Execution
• Programming: Try BlockPy

Misconceptions: None listed so far

Lesson 4- How to Learn

Summary: To succeed in this course, you should start early, work often, and manage your time.

Learning Objectives:

• List common misconceptions about learning.
• List best strategies for learning to program.
• Assess prior knowledge of programming

Activities:

• Lesson: How to Learn
• Quiz: How to Learn

Misconceptions: None listed so far

Lesson 5- Getting Help

Summary: When you seek help, make sure you communicate in a professional way.

Learning Objectives:

• Seek help by communicating desired functionality, approach, perceived problems, current code, and specific errors.

Activities:

• Lesson: Getting Help
• Quiz: Getting Help

Misconceptions: None listed so far