Time Schedule:
Darleen A. Clements
INFX 501
Seattle Campus
Presents programming concepts in the context of information science including the concepts of the algorithm, data storage, expressions, syntax, logic, objects, commands, and events. Introduces the algorithmic manipulation of information objects, and the mindset and methods of computer programming and application development. Credit/no credit only.
Class description
Algorithms underlie all programs. You hear about search algorithms on the Web and sort algorithms. An algorithm is simply a set of steps that takes a set of inputs and transforms them into some sort of output. When you perform the algorithm time after time, you can expect the same results every time.
Learning about algorithms helps us improve our critical thinking and also helps us understand what software developers and their habits of mind. This course is a survey of the basic concepts that are common to all programming languages.
Our vehicle for understanding programming is JavaScript, which adds interactivity and responsiveness to static HTML Web pages. JavaScript works with every Web browser for "instant" viewing of your scripts. Because JavaScript "lives" on Web pages, you will also be learning some minimal information about HTML.
Student learning goals
Create an algorithm and understand how it could be converted into a program
Understand basic programming concepts
Write a simple script for each of the basic programming concepts
Recognize programs or scripts on a Web page
Understand the Document Object Model (DOM)
Understand and explain what a program is doing step by step
General method of instruction
The entire course is taught online. Modules include videos, lectures, and discussions of basic programming concepts: algorithms, variables, assignment statements, expressions, data types, functions, iterations, arrays, conditionals, and debugging and troubleshooting scripts, and related topics.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites are required and no programming experience is assumed.
Class assignments and grading
Worksheets guide you through the basic concepts common to all programming languages. The worksheets teach you some of the habits of mind of professional programmers, such as working step by step and paying attention to the smallest details. They have two parts: a hands-on part where you build scripts and Catalyst quiz questions that test your understanding and point out typical trouble areas where you may need to look closer.
The final project walks you through the process of creating something larger than the small scripts in the worksheets. The project is divided into two parts:
1. Gathering assets and customizing the provided Web form 2. Processing user input from a Web form
The course is offered for credit/no credit. As a graduate-level course, 80% is considered passing. Your lowest worksheet score is dropped before calculating your grade. Worksheets are due weekly. No late work is accepted.
