Date post: | 19-Jan-2016 |
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Course GoalsCourse Goals
• Overcome fear of computers• Wide range of applications• Strong programming skills
What’s different about What’s different about computers?computers?
• You know lots of machines• Computers seem different• They seem to change• Each program makes the
computer act differently
Traditional teaching schemeTraditional teaching scheme
• One machine, one task• New machine• New class• Machines don’t change that
frequently
Learning about computingLearning about computing
• Computer does so many things• Same thing happens many
different ways• Programs change all the time
How do you work a computer?How do you work a computer?
• The buttons and mouse are easy
• It’s actually the PROGRAMS you have to learn
• One machine has many tasks
The training trapThe training trap
• New class for every task• New class for each software• New class for each version
Education in computingEducation in computing
• Learn basic concepts• Get solid background• Practice solving problems
Good computer usersGood computer users
• Little fear• Background knowledge• Problem-solving strategy
UniversalUniversal
• Works with all kinds of information
• Does all kinds of stuff to it• Very few limitations
InformationInformation
• Seems to be able to work with anything
• Actually very limited• Tiny pieces of data combined
into complex information
ManipulatorManipulator
• Seem able to do anything with data
• Actually very limited• Simple commands combined
into complex instructions
Problem-SolvingProblem-Solving
• Use when you’re stuck• Plan for complicated problems• Backup when things go wrong
State the ProblemState the Problem
• Use English• No technical words!• Make it clean and precise• Be complete• Usually the hardest step
ToolsTools
• Identify some tools• Could be programs commands
things, ideas• Be imaginative!• List all potential tools
AlgorithmAlgorithm
• Computer word for plan/strategy
• Re-state problem in terms of tools
• List of steps• You should know how to do
each step
ImplementationImplementation
• Just do it!• Translate algorithm into action • Should be easiest step