COSC 123 Computer Creativity

Spring (Winter Term 2) 2012 - University of British Columbia Okanagan

Overview

COSC 123 provides a fun, creative introduction to programming using Alice and Java. The course is designed specifically for students in arts or other disciplines to experience and hopefully continue in Computer Science. Depending on student numbers, the class time is in a computer lab allowing students to directly apply concepts on computers. Students learn enough Java to continue on in Computer Science courses.

On-line Resources

• Syllabus

Student Performance

Of the 37 registered students who started the course all but 3 received a D or higher. The average GPA was 3.17 or a B.

Comments

The instructor rating was 4.85. All course ratings were strong including an overall course rating of 4.54. The ratings for challenging (3.77) and high expectations (4.23) were slightly lower. The more time spent in the labs and practicing programming results in better student performance.

Strengths of the Course

• "I enjoy how passionate Ramon is about the course content, it really fosters my interest. Encouraging lots of questions in class is very helpful."
  


• "The in-class assignments that reinforced what we were learning. The instructor's teaching style and flexibility."
  


• "Very enthusiastic teacher that made it a great learning experience. Always made us feel like we could succeed = great feeling."
  

Weakness of the Course

• "Even though the class is small it took a while for Ramon to reach students when we wanted to have our work graded or ask a question at the end of class."
  


• "TAs didn't go through the tutorials during labs. A lot of questions in a single lab. Not a lot of class participation."
  


• "Alice was a complete waste of time, and I did not enjoy one thing about it. That part of the course felt more like we were being taught where to click/find things (that were hidden by the developers) as opposed to being prepared for Java. Taking in the class understanding of Java in these first few weeks, it would have been much more beneficial had we just started with Java. But I suppose that is what COSC 111 is for."
  

Most Enjoyable Part of the Course

• "The drawings on the board, they helped a lot with my understanding of the terms and concepts as well as the Alice demonstrations."
  


• "The best COSC prof at UBCO and his interesting teaching styles! Go Ramon!!"
  


• "I love Lawrence's enthusiasm, he makes learning an adventure. :-)"