The language you teach is probably not as important as one would think. Programming Logic will transfer from one language to another. How deep a level is also an issue. C++, Java, Visual Basic are powerful programming tools that will allow creation of applications from simple to complex. Linux is mostly written in C++ I understand. Perl, Cold Fusion, PHP are more scripting languages related to web development.
For teaching a Into programming class the most important thing to teach is logic, or how to put a program together. Lego has a product called MindStorms that allow students to build computer controlled robots from Lego blocks. Projects start by writing simple programs to get a robot to move around an environment. More advanced programs will have the robot find it's way through a maze, or even play a game of football with other team robots. The robotics function should keep more of the students interested in programming throughout the class. Below is the link to the Lego Mindstorm site for educators. I did a search on goggle and have also included a few other links that looked interesting. http://www.lego.com/eng/education/mindstorms/default.asp try this search for more info http://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=lego+mindstorm+curriculum Here are some other sites. http://satchmo.cs.columbia.edu/er/curriculum/ http://www.indiana.edu/~legobots/q515/jodicurriculumoverview.html http://www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx045/Lego-Robotics.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Scott Fosseen - Systems Engineer -Prairie Lakes AEA http://fosseen.us/scott _____________________________________________________________________ The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. - (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.) _____________________________________________________________________ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jackie Fonley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2003 9:46 AM Subject: [info-tech] Computer Programming > OK, I have just been informed we are offering Computer Programming next > semester (mid Jan), and that I am the lucky one who gets to teach it. > So, what I need to know is "What do I need?" . . . . I have had > recommendations to go with Visual Basic(?). I am looking for textbooks > needed, software possibly--any information at all would be helpful. > Thanks in advance to anyone with any information! > -Jackie Fonley > > --- > [This E-mail scanned for viruses by the algona.k12.ia.us server.] > > --- > [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus on the server aea8.k12.ia.us] > > --------------------------------------------------------- > Archived messages from this list can be found at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ > --------------------------------------------------------- > --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus on the server aea8.k12.ia.us] --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ---------------------------------------------------------
