Chautauqua Course DAY-15
How to Be Successful Teaching Introductory Level
Programming with Objects
JOSEPH E. LANG,
Department of Computer Science,
May 22-24, 2008 in Dayton, OH --- Apply
to the Dayton Center --- To apply
for this course now - click here
Object-oriented programming has become a very successful
technique for programming, especially in the area of Windows programming. Experts in the object-oriented approach have
argued that it involves a new way of thinking that should be taught as early as
possible to students.
Most textbooks for the first course in computer science
(CS1) now have material on the object-oriented approach. Teachers already overburdened by the amount
of material to be taught in CS1 wonder how they can be successful if additional
material is added to the course.
O-o experts argue that this approach must be taught in
introductory-level courses (CS1 and CS2) so that students will not have to
“unlearn” any bad habits later. If the
material is to be taught, how will it
be taught? How early will it be taught?
O-o ideas are primarily useful in large complex
programming projects – projects best discussed in advanced courses. It would appear to be difficult to teach them
at the introductory level. Are there
simple examples in which o-o ideas are used to advantage?
The course will discuss conceptually simple examples that
can be used to introduce o-o concepts in introductory-level courses or in more
advanced courses. Participants will be
given these examples as well as examples of common pitfalls. Examples will be given in Java although they
can be converted to C++.
In addition to lectures, participants will have the
opportunity for “hands-on” laboratory experiences.
For college teachers of:
programming. Prerequisites: programming
experience, preferably in Java.
Costs for 2008
Application fee: $100 [$50 if
received by February 29, 2008]
Course fee: $395 [Due in March
2008]
Optional campus lodging: $55 per person per night in a single
Dr. Lang is Associate
Professor of Computer Science at the