An introduction to computer science as a tool to solve real-world analytical problems using Python 3.5.
Type of Material:
Online Course
Recommended Uses:
It is a self-contained course, with instruction-led modules.
Technical Requirements:
Web browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Upon the completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. describe the notion of computation;
2. describe the Python programming language;
3. explain some simple algorithms;
4. conduct program testing and debugging;
5. describue some basic data structures
Target Student Population:
College Lower Division, College Upper Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
It is mentioned no prior knowledge of coding is needed, but it also mentioned that prior experience of coding will make it easier for learners.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
- It is learning module in edX
- The content is comprehensive as the first course of a programming language and the presentation of the materials is also clear and easy to follow.
- The course provided high quality content for understanding the basics of the programming in python.
In summary, the content of this course is quite comprehensive. It covers most of the knowledge in introductory programming course. In particular, it discusses the knowledge in Python, from basic elements to data structures. It also introduces some simple algorithm and complexity analysis, which are essential for students to go further.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
- It has self-reviewing and self-practicing exercise pages in nearly the end of each modules. It is very help, but the first time users may need some time to get familiar with the interface.
- The questions provides are really able to reinforce the learners' understanding. Furthermore, the forum provided under each exercise also allow learners to post questions and get responses from other learners and the instructors if needed.
In summary, the instruction and the arrangement of the course is very clear and easy to follow. The learning objectives of each chapter are clearly described. There are problem sets in each chapter and they are really helpful for students to re-inforce their concepts.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
- The layout of the content is good to view and consistent.- The content can be accessed via ordinary browsers.
- The site is available on some specific time, as it is not a self-pacing course, instead, supported from instructors via the discussion forum is provided
In summary, the material is very clear and easy to follow. The videos are well created and the explanation is clear. There are problem sets and students can attempt and submit these problem sets online.
Concerns:
The course can only be accessed in some specific period of time.
The video lecture is a bit like traditional lecture, with powerpoint and explanation from lecturers.
Creative Commons:
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