CSE 203: Computational Thinking in Context: Interactive Animations and Games

Description

Introduction to computational thinking, focusing on problem solving and programming concepts and skills needed to create interactive graphics, animations, and games; creativity and imagination encouraged.

Level, Credits, Class Time Distribution, Prerequisites

Quarters Offered

• Au, Wi, Sp

General Information, Exclusions, Cross-listings, etc.

• Recommended for students with little or no programming experience or who are not confident in their programming background.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Master using basic constructs provided by high-level imperative programming languages: sequencing, selection, and iteration.
• Be familiar with algorithmic thinking.
• Be familiar with procedural composition.
• Be familiar with many of the possibilities available for creative combination in programmed interactive animations.
• Be familiar with using a modern interactive program development environment.
• Be exposed to the virtual machine model of modern computer systems.

Texts and Other Course Materials

• Course Notes

Topics

Representative Lab Assignments

• "Create an interesting scene" (placement of sprites and words in the window using its coordinate system; program-controlled drawing using sequencing).
• "Create an interesting animation" (movement of sprites by iterative relocation).
• "Create an interesting animation where something bounces" (collision detection using continuation conditions).
• "Create an interesting interactive situation" (user-influenced movement of sprites using selection).
• Course project: "create an interactive education/information environment or a game".

Grades