A computer science freshman orientation course

ABSTRACT

This paper describes an orientation course for beginning computer science majors. The course is different from the CS 1 or computer literacy courses, but similar in intent and content to orientation courses in engineering, business, and other fields. Its purpose is to give students an overview of computer science and an idea of what computer professionals do so that students can make an informed career decision. Other emphases for the course are practice in problem solving, experience working in groups, teaching basic technical (non-programming) skills, social and ethical issues, and making students aware of the resources and opportunities available to them such as internship programs. Influences and constraints on the design of the course and suggested changes the next time the course is taught are also described.

REFERENCES

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• 2: J. Glenn Brookshear, Computer science (4th ed.): an overview, Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Co., Inc., Redwood City, CA, 1993
• 3: Seymour E. Goodman , S. T. Hedetniemi, Introduction to the Design and Analysis of Algorithms, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY, 1977
• 4: 4. D. Johnson, Computer Ethics. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1994.
• 5: 5. D. Miller, Problem Solving Explorations. Macmillan, New York, 1994.
• 6: 6. G. Polya, How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1973.
• 7: G. Michael Schneider , Judith L. Gersting, An Invitation to Computer Science, West Publishing Co., St. Paul, MN, 1995
• 8: 8. W. Wickelgren, How to Solve Problems. W.H. Freeman, San FranciSco, 1974.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION

General Terms:
Design, Reliability