Module: Introduction

Overview of ICS 314, and some simple initial tasks to get oriented and ready for the course.

Learning Outcomes

Understand course structure

You understand the goals, structures, and procedures for learning in ICS 314.

Install an appropriate development environment

You have set up your environment on your computer to support the software engineering experiences you will have in this course.

Readings

Preparing for ICS 314

What to know in advance of ICS 314

Grading

How grades for this class will be determined

How to watch screencasts the smart way

There is an art to watching screencasts effectively. Here are some heuristics.

Introduction to ICS 314

Goals, the three prime directives, texts, prerequisites, what to do next

Screencast 20 min

Programming achievements: how to level up as a developer

“How does a good developer become a great developer? Forget greatness for a moment: How does a decent developer become a good developer?”

The programmer dress code

“I really want to know what it is about programming, or computers in general, that makes people want to grow a beard, have long hair, and dress like a slob.”

The pursuit of excellence in programming

“Mastering a complex discipline such as programming requires a great amount of learning over the course of several years, perhaps even decades.”

Experiential Learning

A01: Get the books

Learn how to get the books for this class.

A02: Environment configuration

Learn how to configure your development environment.

A03: Introduce yourself

Post a message to the class discussion list about yourself

Assessments

Environment configuration

Outcomes assessed: Install an appropriate development environment

This assessment verified that students obtained laptops with the appropriate hardware, had the appropriate operating system installed, and had successfully installed the appropriate version of Java.

Discussion:

  • Almost all students complied with requirements. Those who didn’t had inappropriate hardware.

Discussion group posting

Outcomes assessed: Understand course structure

This assessment verified that students learned how to subscribe to the class newsgroup and how to post an introductory message about themselves.

Discussion:

  • All students fulfilled the objectives.