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Course organization

The course is organized into four units with sub-modules:

Unit 3: Dictionaries and API data exchange

Unit 3 Module 1: Dictionary methods and operations
Unit 3 Module 2: API data exchange
Unit 3 Module 3: Nested dictionaries and lists

Unit 4: Files and data analysis

Unit 4 Module 1: Plain text files
Unit 4 Module 2: Data analysis
Unit 4 Module 3: Image files
Unit 4 Module 4: Course wrap-up

Unit 1: Foundational concepts

Unit 1 Module 1: Introduction to computer science and genAI
Unit 1 Module 2: Data types, variables, and arithmetic operators
Unit 1 Module 3: Conditional logic
Unit 1 Module 4: Iterative logic

Unit 2: Functions and methods

Unit 2 Module 1: Functions and problem decomposition
Unit 2 Module 2: String methods and operations
Unit 2 Module 3: List methods and operations
Unit 2 Module 4: Importing modules

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Course design: Projects to demonstrate learning

This course is designed around projects

that involve students’ unique design decisions.

The project-focused approach helps students

learn program design by decomposing

problems into functions.

GenAI use is encouraged in projects to

handle more complex tasks.

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Course timeframe

Total course is designed for a 15-week semester.
Each module should take 1 week.
Approximately 2.5 hours of lecture period per week.
Split into two 80 minute periods, but can be modified to three 50 minute periods.
2 hours of lab per week.
May be adapted to other schedules.

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Course asset types

There are a variety of materials to help students succeed in this course.
Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

In-class activities
Lectures
Labs
Quizzes
Projects
Homework

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In-class activities

What they are: Guided inquiry activities to learn new concepts through analysis and collaboration.
Purpose: To develop a deep understanding of topics.
GenAI: Students will learn how to leverage genAI as a programming tool and apply it to specific tasks by:

Asking genAI for explanations.
Generating code.
Modifying code.
Debugging code.
Evaluating GenAI output.

Quantity: About two per module.

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Lectures

What they are: Presentations of key information.
Purpose: Support in-class activities by providing key information in a format students can reference and review on their own.
Delivery:

Often follow in-class activities.
Designed for review without the instructor.

Engagement: Include questions to encourage thinking and check understanding.
GenAI: Include key genAI concepts for each module.
Quantity: About two per module.

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Labs

What they are: Opportunities to develop programming skills in a collaborative environment.

Pair programming design: Two students collaborate in real-time on the same code, fostering shared understanding and improved skills.

Purpose: Practical programming skills development.
GenAI:

The hints offer suggested prompts to help explain targeted lines of code and/or concepts for specific questions.
In general, students are encouraged to use genAI as a learning tool - this applies broadly, so they could further explore any programming topic, interest, or question they may have.

Quantity: About one per module.

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Homework

What they are: Review exercises on previously covered topics.
Purpose: Strengthen understanding of concepts and skills.
GenAI:

Some tasks will incorporate genAI.
Practice effective prompting and evaluation.

Quantity: About one homework assignment per module.

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Examples of labs/homework question types:

Here are some examples of question types:

Explain code and determine output (~2 tasks)
Parson's problems (~2 tasks)
Debug code (~2 tasks)
Modify code (~2 tasks)
Write code (~3 tasks)

Note: When completing a Parson's problem, students work with code blocks that have been mixed up and rearrange them to form a program.

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Quizzes

What they are: Assessments to demonstrate students’ understanding of programming concepts and skills.
Purpose: Assess achievement of learning objectives.
Question types: Explain code, determine output, debug code, modify code, Parson's problems, evaluate genAI output.
Preparation: Homework and lab assignments will mirror quiz question formats.
GenAI: GenAI is NOT allowed on quizzes.

Quizzes will not include tasks focused on writing code.

Quantity: One per unit.

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Projects

What they are: Central component of the course.

Opportunity to make design decisions while writing a larger program that applies recent concepts.

Purpose: Apply understanding of key concepts and skills to decompose and solve problems.
GenAI: GenAI support is encouraged for writing code.
Quantity: One per unit.

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Module structure

Most modules include:

Two in-class activities
Two lectures
One lab
One homework assignment

Some modules vary (example: quizzes or project introductions)

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Relationships between course materials

In-class activities introduce concepts that are reinforced in lectures.
Labs/homeworks provide practical application of these concepts.
Projects allow students to apply their knowledge in a more extensive, creative way.
Quizzes allow for the opportunity to assess students’ understanding of fundamental concepts and skills.
GenAI is a tool to support students’ learning in all materials except quizzes.

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Time commitment

Time spent on each asset will vary depending on the module and personal pace.
Plan schedules time accordingly to keep up with the course.
In general, projects will require the most time.

Estimates by asset

Project: Will vary, but the broad range would be from 5-10 hours.
Activity: Ideally, 1 hr 20min, but specific timing will vary.
Lab/homework: Designed for 2 hours, but specific timing will vary.
Lecture: ~1 hour, but varies depending on length & complexity.