Using Java, project-based exploration of
the breadth of computer programming in the context of general and instructional
applications including educational games. Students will engage in interactive
multimedia projects and a variety of learning exercises. Class activities include programming drills
for development of specific techniques and language constructs, and exercises
that represent cumulative features of a final project. The course culminates with an arcade game
project that allows students to apply and integrate most course content.
Mary Therese Perez Hattori, Coordinator, Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching & Technology
Kapi'olani Community College,
Email: mary.hattori@hawaii.edu, URL: www2.hawaii.edu/~maryh
A First Sip of Java by Nathan Dwyer and Mary Hattori
The text is in pre-publication format and will be made available to students free of charge on the course WebCT site.
This is an online course with all contacts occurring in the class WebCT site. Content will be presented through online PowerPoint slide shows, a textbook, pre-recorded demonstrations, frequent lab exercises, discussions, and hands-on programming experiences. Students will engage in interactive multimedia projects and a variety of learning exercises. Class activities include programming drills for development of specific techniques and language constructs, and exercises that represent cumulative features of a final project. The course culminates with an arcade game project that allows students to apply and integrate most course content. Daily access to an Internet-connected computer is required. Students are REQUIRED to access the web site and obtain course materials on a regular basis. This is not a self-paced course; the class schedule will be adhered to strictly.
The purpose of the course is to explore the breadth of computer programming in the context of its general and instructional applications. To this end, the course will include, but is not restricted to the following:
• Fundamental computing terms & concepts
• An overview of programming languages
• Basic concepts of computer programming such as algorithms, software design, object orientation, debugging and testing. Algorithm development and structured programming techniques are emphasized. Basic constructs common to modern programming languages, such as constants, variables, conditionals, iterations, arrays, objects, methods, classes, and packages are covered. The language used in instruction will be the Java programming language.
• Philosophical, social and ethical issues