CSCI C101 : Sample Assignments

Description | Assignments | Assessment

Introduction to Computers

Non-technical analysis of computer systems. Development and application of critical thinking through human and computer parallels. Computer literacy as a vehicle of communication through technology and methodology. Survey of computer history, terminology, application and social impact. Problem solving using an integrated computer software system; spreadsheet, word processing and database applications.

Assignments

Objective:

Students will be able to describe and explain the process of developing a web page using HTML and software packages that assist in the development of web pages. They will be able to use a digital camera and editing software to manipulate digital images.

Process:

This is a three part assignment. In part one, students learn the basic HTML code and create simple webpages using Windows Notepad. The webpages contain basic text formatting tags, internal and external links, and an image. In part two, the lecture discusses basic digital image concepts and students are broken into groups. Each group is given a digital camera and tasked to go out on campus for a "photo safari". Upon their return, students learn how to export their images from the camera to storage media (CD or flash drives). In part three, students are introduced to basic image editing functions using the freeware program Picassa. They are given time to edit their images and shown how to create a photo album website using Picassa. Group websites are shared with the class at the end of the project.

[sample student work]

Assessment

This is a project-based assignment. Some students enter into the project with advanced background knowledge of the topic while for others these are completely new concepts. For this assignment, students are assessed on their contributions to the group project as a whole and on their individual effort. Most of this work is completed in class so I am able to observe closely the learning process students are going through as they complete the steps for these tasks.