ESP Biography

This class will cover basic logical concepts in computer science. We will use the Java programming language and code in an online IDE. We will be working with "hard code" as opposed to something graphics-based like Alice, Scratch, Greenfoot, etc. because I feel I can best teach with code, not drag-and-drop graphical interfaces.To clarify: We will be writing code and reading textual output; not making mini graphical games or building websites. Due to our highly limited time, we will move quickly. My goal is to give you exposure to many fundamental programming concepts (and their Java syntax) such as variable declarations, I/O, for and while loops, and if statements. I will also briefly address more general ideas in computer science such as other programming languages, IDEs, APIs, comments, and debugging. We will not cover object orientation due to time constraints. This class is designed to give beginners a taste of the logic and mechanics involved in entry-level computer programming. Those with prior CS experience are welcome but should note that I will be starting from the beginning. Due to our limited time, we will not be able to do exercises on every concept I cover, so this class is probably *most* useful to someone who is going to continue studying CS after this class so they can solidify their understanding of the concepts I introduce. I will address avenues for continuing CS study (e.g. online MOOCs, high school classes, etc.) in class as well.