Why learn to program?Programming skills are becoming ever more important, quickly turning into the core competency for all kinds of 21st Century workers. Learning to program is important because it develops critical thinking and problem solving abilities. It is a creative activity and provides us a mean to express abstract ideas. Thus programming is fun and is much more than a vocational skill. By designing programs, we learn many skills that are important for all professions. These skills can be summarized as:
Student Expectations
Computer Lab Rules ![]() 1. Arrive to class on time. Important information is communicated during the first 5-10 minutes of each class. Arriving late will put you at a disadvantage and cause you to miss valuable material. 2. No eating or drinking in the computer lab except water 5. A quiet work environment is expected. I encourage you to help one another, but always respect other students’ right to work in peace (use “classroom voices”) 6. Use respectful language at all times 7.
Use of online games, and non-class-related
web sites is prohibited at all times.
Any unauthorized use may result in
account suspension, followed by further sanctions, up to and including
suspension from school. Do not abuse your computer privileges. You have
a limited time in these labs, make the most of it. Save recreational computer
activities such as games and social media for outside of school. Evaluation Final grades will be based on the following breakdown: Class Assignments: 25% Tests & Quizzes: 20% Projects: 25% In-Class work 10% 20% Time: 20% (pass / fail) | Course DescriptionThis course is designed to introduce the basic concepts of object-oriented programming. ICT Programming will teach students to solve problems and strategize in an organized and productive way. Logic and problem solving skills will be
heavily relied upon to succeed. Students will use a number of programs and interfaces such as Dreamweaver, HTML, BlueJ, Scratch, Code Academy, and Greenfoot to support their learning.
Online PortfolioStudents will be creating online portfolios using Google Sites to showcase their classroom work and projects.
20% Time / Genius Hour
1. For the rest of the year, 20% of your time in my class will be spent working on something you want to work on.2. It has to be some type of learning, and you have to document it using your portfolio.3. You’ll present your accomplishments to the class twice (and will not be graded on it).4. That’s it. Have fun. Find your passion. Explore it. Enjoy learning what you want.See our 20% Time Resource Page
Course Units![]()
Materials E-Texts:Michael Kölling Pearson Education, August 2009 US: ISBN-10: 0-13-603753-4
Objects First with Java: A Practical Introduction using BlueJ David J. Barnes & Michael Kölling Fifth edition, Prentice Hall / Pearson Education, 2012 US: ISBN 978-013-249266-9
Allan B. Downey
Version 2.0.12
May 2013
Allan B. Downey
Version 5.1.2
August 2012
Software: Scratch - free download
Software: BlueJ - free download Software: Greenfoot - free download ![]() |
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