[RiceCS]
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Rice Computer Science
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Rice University
Department of Computer Science
presents

Stephen Wong

Oberlin College

Object-Oriented Programming in Introductory Computer Science
or
Better Students Through Abstraction

Abstract

Stephen Wong will present an object-oriented programming first approach as a means of teaching students fundamental CS principles and abstract thinking. Abstract thinking is difficult for many students to learn, but is a crucial component for learning computer science. I have developed a process that not only enables students to learn abstraction but also inspires and motivates them to push the boundaries of their abilities. This process utilizes carefully constructed lecture and laboratory materials that leverage intrinsic understandings of object behavior. This is combined with design patterns as a "meta-language" for discussing and emphasizing abstract concepts. Students learn the power of abstractly decomposing a problem and expressing it in their designs. Wong exploits state-of-the-art development tools in the laboratories to help the students maintain a proper focus on the abstractions. Powerful and appealing programming assignments are used to inspire and motivate while driving home fundamental CS principles. The careful integration of many pedagogical facets results in students who have strong abstraction skills and who can produce unprecedently powerful software.

Monday, April 27 at 2pm in DH 1070
A reception will precede the talk at 1:30pm in DH 3076.

About Stephen Wong

Dr. Wong received his B.A. with honors from Swarthmore College in 1980 and a PH.D. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Physics at the California Lutheran University in 1993 and then as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics at Oberlin College in 1996. Since 1998, he has been a faculty member at Oberlin College, in addition to being the computer science program systems administrator (since 1999).

Dr. Wong is an experienced computer scientist, physicist, and educator dedicated to combining the resources of an extensive diverse background in teaching, software, hardware, experimental and theoretical physics and chemistry into a balanced and innovative liberal arts educational program.

Stephen Wong is a faculty candidate.

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