Computer Science Education Courses (CS ED)

CS ED 1310. Programming Environments for Elementary Education — 3 hrs.

Introduction to computational thinking and computer programming. Taught as a survey of programming environments used by elementary education teachers. Topics include structure of programming and the study of several programming environments used by students at a variety of age/ability levels. (Fall and Spring)

CS ED 1320. Fundamentals of Programming — 3 hrs.

Introduction to computer programming through a survey of programming environments used by teachers. Topics include structure of programming, study of several programming environments used by students at a variety of age/ability levels, and end-user programming for teachers. (Fall)

CS ED 2310. Foundational Concepts in Computer Science — 3 hrs.

Examine the breadth of the field of computer science beyond the programming of the computers. Topics include data storage and manipulation, computer organization, operating systems, networking and the Internet, software engineering, databases, and artificial intelligence. Give potential teachers a general introduction to commonly taught sub-disciplines in computer science so that they can have informed discussions with students before they study a topic more deeply. (Spring)

CS ED 3310/5310. Teaching and Learning Programming — 3 hrs.

Students will enhance their skill and understanding of programming while examining common programming problems, examples of bad/good code, and common misconceptions/difficulties. Students will examine common paradigms for teaching programming. Students will study broader challenges to learning such as broadening participation, understanding and avoiding bias, and best practices for classroom engagement. Prerequisite(s): CS ED 1320 or equivalent; junior standing. (Spring)

CS ED 3320/5320. Data Structures and Algorithms — 3 hrs.

Introduction to the structure and application of common data structures used in computer science and the algorithms used with/for these structures. Includes an ongoing discussion on algorithm analysis. Also includes significant elements of algorithms, program design, techniques for data storage and retrieval, and data beyond a local text file. Prerequisite(s): CS ED 1320 or equivalent; CS ED 3310/5310; junior standing. (Spring)

CS ED 4330/5330. Methods for Teaching Computer Science — 3 hrs.

Teaching approaches, instructional and assessment strategies, curricular and laboratory materials, and issues in secondary computer science. Students will develop a project, either in a classroom or during an after-school or similar experience that seeks to teach a section of the CS standards. Projects should stress inclusivity and appeal to a diverse group of students. Data will be collected about projects including demographics of participants, aggregate achievement, and analysis of student work samples. Prerequisite(s): CS ED 1320 or equivalent; CS ED 2310; CS ED 3310/5310; junior standing. (Spring)