Course Syllabus | Algorithms | Logo | Robotics | Visual Basic
| Department, Number, Title and Credit Hours: | CI 786 Beginning Algorithms and Problem Solving (2 credit hours) |
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Semester:
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Summer 2001 |
| Time of day class meets: | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
| Location of class: | Northwest High School, Room H-8 |
| Instructors: | Pagenkopf, Gladhart, Witherspoon |
| Telephone: | 978-3385 |
| Note: | Weather Cancellations — Call 978-6633 (select 2) to obtain information on weather related class cancellations. |
| Web page Address: | |
| Office Address: | CEC 110 |
| Office Hours: | Monday through Thursday 9:30 to 11:30 a.m |
| E-mail Address: | loisdennis@onemain.com marsha.gladhart@wichita.edu tonya.witherspoon@wichita.edu |
| Catalog Description: | This course is designed to introduce the educator to basic algorithms and principles of computer programming. This course provides students with a basic foundation in planning and creating interactive Windows applications using the task-driven, object-oriented programming language, Visual Basic. While the programming language may change to reflect current usage in middle and high schools, the concepts and principles remain the same. Students will learn how to apply programming language in problem-solving and how programming can be integrated into the school curriculum |
| Prerequisite(s): | At least one college-level course in basic computing skills. |
| Textbook(s) and Related material: | Visual BASIC software |
Major Topics
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Problem Solving Logic |
Algorithms |
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Binary Numbering System |
ASCII |
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Boolean Logic and Gates |
Von Neumann Architecture and Machine Language |
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An Introduction to Visual Basic: Creating a New Project, Working with Controls, Writing Code |
Designing Applications: Planning an Application in VB, Building the User Interface, Coding, Testing, Debugging, & Documenting the Application |
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Creating Variables and Constants: Using Variables to Store Information, Using Variables to Display Information, Adding additional Control Features |
Using Selection Structures: Using the If…Then…Else and Select Case, Adding more Control Features, Using Static Variables |
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Student Learning Outcomes |
Accreditation Standard |
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Students will demonstrate basic computer skills. Students will learn the definition of an algorithm and practice writing examples. Students will write an algorithm to solve a problem, transfer the algorithm into a computer program that can be executed and evaluated. Students will utilize Visual Basic system command language to create programs. Students will use variables within programs. |
Mathematics: 2.2.Technology. Teachers of mathematics use appropriate technology to support the learning of mathematics. This technology includes, but is not limited to, computers and computer software, calculators, interactive television, distance learning, electronic information resources, and a variety of relevant multimedia. 2.4 Programs prepare prospective teachers who can identify, teach, and model problem solving in grades 7-12. |
Course
Objectives
1. Students will be introduced to the structure and organization of computers and how a stored program can be executed.
2. Students will understand the process by which problems are solved
3. Students will learn how a computer represents text.
4. Students will learn how computer circuits are constructed based on Boolean logic and truth tables.
5. Students will learn the basics of the binary numbering system and how it relates to computers.
6. Students will learn how to create a program to print,
7. Students will be able to use Visual Basic or a similar programming language to create and modify a basic program.
8. Students will be familiar with Logo programming and how it can be used in schools.
Course Assignments
Students will be presented with a problem and given a brief time limit to think of possible solutions and then explain how they reached those solutions. The validity of the solution will be discussed as well as the process it took to reach it. Problems will be presented using the popular game MindTrap. Each card describes a problem and a possible solution. Students will be evaluated on their classroom participation.
Students will be asked to write the process of ordering a pizza on the telephone. Students will be evaluated by reading their algorithm while another class member follow the instructions.
Using the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention set students will build a simple robot and program the microcomputer using a visual programming language. Students will then execute the program and be able to immediately evaluate the process by watching the robot perform. List and describe the 3 steps for writing a Visual Basic project.
Describe the various files that make up a Visual Basic project.
Identify the elements in the Visual Basic environment.
Define design time, run time, and break time.
Write, run, save, print, and modify your first Visual Basic project.
Look up Visual Basic topics in Help.
Use MicroWorlds to draw with the Turtle, create and edit shapes, create a button, create multiple turtles, create text boxes, and work with sounds.
Tentative Course Schedule:
July 2: Visual Basic and course overview (Lois Pagenkopf)
July 3: Logo (Marsha Gladhart)
July 4: Celebrate no classes!
July 5: Intro to Programming (Tonya Witherspoon)
July 6: Robotics (Tonya Witherspoon)
July 9-13: Visual Basic (Lois Pagenkopf)
Differential Requirements for Students Receiving Graduate Credit: (if applicable)
Grading: Students will receive points for each section of this course. Grades will be assigned based on total point accumulation at the end of the course as follows:
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90-100 points |
A |
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80-89 points |
B |
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70-79 points |
C |
Academic Honesty: A standard of honesty, fairly applied to all students, is essential to a learning environment. Students abridging a standard of honesty must accept the consequences; penalties are assessed by appropriate classroom instructors or other designated people. Serious cases may result in discipline at the college or University level and may result in suspension or dismissal. Dismissal from a college for academic dishonesty, constitutes dismissal from the University.(WSU Student Handbook)
ADA: If you have a physical, psychiatric/emotional, medical, or learning disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, contact the office of Disability Services (DS), Grace Wilkie Annex, room 173. (Voice phone number 978-3309; tdd/tty phone number 978-3067). DS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary for you. All information and documentation of your disability is confidential and will not be released by DS without your written permission.
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©2001