Question:  What would you tell students who may be considering taking this class?

CSCI 111T Programming with Java I

Answers:

“If someone was new to programming, I would tell them to be ready to dedicate a lot of time to the class.”

“The problem is I didn’t know anything about Java coming into the class.  So I can’t recommend things I should have known because I took the class to learn Java.  I would stress the labs and that they are comprehensive, completing each lab is a necessary foundation in learning new information to build on.”

“The most important thing that I’ve learned is that ‘THIS IS CHALLENGING’.  I didn’t really know what to expect coming into this class, but I figured because of my love of technology and computers that I would enjoy it and the material would come easy.  Well I was wrong about it coming easy! LOL.  I would recommend that all students that are interested in taking this course be prepared to work hard.  This is serious stuff and is not for everyone.  I know personally that if I would have had more time and probably a little more motivation, I might have been able to do better.  This class takes a lot of dedication and a lot of effort, which if you are not willing to put that towards it, you aren’t going to succeed.  Overall it was a very interesting and enjoyable class, and you learn alot.”

“Be prepared to READ.  If you read the book you can keep up.  If you don’t, you’ll fall behind.  And TRY everything you’ve been shown or you won’t understand it.”

“It’s hard at the beginning, but it gets easier.  Vocabulary is difficult until you get a hold of it.”

“This class is a lot of work.  It’s not easy.  If you don’t know for sure that you want to do CS (especially Java programming), consider a different class.  I did anywhere from 8 to 25 hours a week outside of class, every week.”

“The atmosphere is very relaxed and there is a lot of class discussion.  It is a difficult class so make sure you have plenty of time to dedicate to it.  You will learn a lot about programming.”

“I would tell future students to always keep caught up on your labs!  I would say previous programming knowledge helps, but is not required.  I would also say that the course is tough, but the reward for when your programs finally work is amazing.  Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for help either, its better than sitting there getting frustrated.  The last thing is get Visio installed and your IDE at home if you can, it makes coding easier because you are in a relaxed home environment hopefully.   It’s a great class.  Java is awesome!”

“Java is a language.  Learning to speak Java is much like learning to speak Spanish, or German.  Like an alphabet, sentences, and punctuation, there are keywords, lines of code, and proper syntax.  Like writing a paper, there is not a perfect way, but some of the many possibilities are better than others.  Everyone develops their unique style as they understand more.  Good luck and have fun!”

“READ THE BOOK.  It would have helped a lot to read along in the book rather than just absorbing through in class lectures.”

Web Programming: Javascript  CMPA271

Answers:

“Be comfortable with an exploratory learning method – must be open to go in blindly and come out enlightened. Great challenge.  Good exercises.”

“Be ready for two assignments per week.  Most are easy.  But you will be challenged by the end.  Projects are fun and useful.  You will learn to write your own code, and learn to integrate other code into yours.”

“Good basic HTML background required.  Teaches good basic understanding of Javascript to make dynamic web sites.  Projects and homework based on real world examples.”

“Understanding of basic Javascript fundamentals.  Good choice for first time programmers to get acquainted with arrays, for and if statements.  Good course for anyone going in to web design.  Definitely usable knowledge when done with the class.”

“Don’t take at the same time as other scripting/code classes or during a busy semester.”

“Very nice class for more info on user interface.  Books make good post class references.”