About CS42


(Programming_is_a_medium.)

Background

Computer Science has a medium - programming. Students who enter the CS curriculum without prior programming experience have to learn the medium of programming - with all of the associated tools - as well as the language of computer science taught in class. Often times, this leads students to feel like they are very far behind their peers - when in reality - there are a few practical skills and tools that will better equip them to focus on actually learning Computer Science in their CS classes.

Audience

This is useful for students who have little programming experience who might need a bit more guidance in starting out in programming than 61A can provide. Having a place to go to learn about the programming tools/workflow will significantly improve their ability to learn CS.

Format

  • Lab Based (Students will bring computers or we will meet in lab)
  • 2-3 hours once a week.

Objectives

  • Teach the tacit skills (including soft skills) you (are supposed to) pick up going through 61A.
  • Be comfortable with programming tools like text editor, UNIX.
  • Providing a chance to get delibrate practice with the tools and methodologies.

Success Metrics

These are metrics we need to measure to judge if the class is succesful.

  • Students feel comfortable with their tools & programming attitudes.
  • Students feel that the time spent in class was useful:
    • It directly saves them time in 61A
    • The things they learn help them understand CS61A Material
    • Teaches them important skills that 61A doesn’t have the time to teach
  • Students would reccomend the class

FAQ

  • Q: Do I have to officially enroll in the course on telebears:

    A: Nope! We’re piloting it this semester - so there are no units/grades for the course.

  • Q: I can’t make it for a particular week - can I still sign up?

    A: Yes!

  • Q: I’ve been programming forever & feel comfortable with programming - should I take this class?

    A: This course is targeted at students without significant programming experience, so you won’t get as much out of it.

  • Q: Do I have to officially enroll in the course on telebears:

    A: Nope! We’re piloting it this semester - so there are no units/grades for the course.

  • Q: Will students have extra work ontop of 61A?

    A: No - we’re aware of the workload so we won’t toss extra work on the students. Everything they learn will be applicable to 61A and actually be a save stuents time.

Contact & Other Info

Sumukh Sridhara

sumukh at berkeley . edu

Foundations: Some parts of the course build off (and use) content from ‘How to Think Like A Computer Scientist’. See the home page for more info.


(Programming)