Designing a Java graphics library for CS 1

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in using Java in introductory computer science courses. The advantages of choosing Java, however, must be balanced against two significant drawbacks: the instability caused by the rapid evolution of the Java toolkits and the complexity of the graphics model for new students. This paper outlines a strategy for teaching Java that eliminates these problems. The first component of that strategy is a set of low-level classes, DBCanvas and XGraphics, which together offer a double-buffered graphics model that is well matched to student intuition. The second component is a set of higher-level classes, principally Collage and Widget, which make it easy to introduce object-oriented techniques at the beginning of CS1. The sources for these classes are available on the Web at the URL http://cse.stanford.edu/java

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: Java

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Languages, Management, Performance