810:051, section 1 Introduction to Computer Science Dr' Schafer

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810051, section 1Introduction to Computer
ScienceDr. Schafer
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Getting to know you

• Pull out a sheet of notebook paper and fold it in
  half the long way .
• Using one of the markers I will pass around,
  write your first name and last initial (or the
  name you would like to be called).
• While I come around and take your mug shot
  please complete the info sheet that I will pass
  out.

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What would be on my info sheet?

• Name Dr. Ben Schafer
• Hometown Ames originally but
• Class Eighth year (plus 5 as an undergrad)
• Can you program? What languages Java and
  Python are the ones I use the most.
• Why are you TEACHING this class? I truly
  enjoy teaching the introductory classes
• Other things about me you should know
• My handwriting can be messy
• My voice can get loud.

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7. What is computer science??
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What do these things have in common?

• They all treat the computer as only part of a
  bigger picture.
• They all treat the computer as a tool!

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Which tool would you rather use?
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Just like other tools, we have to be careful they
arent misused
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But how do we turn a computer from that thing on
our desk
To that powerful tool that helps us solve
problems?
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Programming!

• Programming is the process of writing, testing,
  and maintaining the source code of computer
  programs (a collection of instructions that
  describe a task, or set of tasks, to be carried
  out by a computer.
• While this course is an introduction to computer
  science, it focuses on how we can program the
  computer to be the tool we need!
• In particular, in the context of Media Computation

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What is Media Computation?

• For the purposes of this course, it is the
  manipulation of any type of multimedia
• Pictures
• Sound
• Text
• Movies

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How can I remove red eye from a photo?
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How do they put the weather person in front of
the map?
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How did they make that commercial where
everything looks like a cartoon?
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GeoGreeting Screenshot
How did the creators of this website resize all
of the satellite photos so the letters looked
even? (And how did they link it up so our input
became their output?)
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Stegonagraphy
How can terrorists (or students having fun) place
hidden messages in picture or sound files?
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Automating repetitive processes
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A brief look at course logistics

• Take the time outside of class to thoroughly read
  the course syllabus (paper copy given to you, but
  also posted to the class website).
• Some highlights

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Syllabus - Instructor Information

• Formal office hours
• MF 1100-1150 and 100-150 (ITTC 316)
• Th 1000-noon  (ITTC 316)
• Having said that, I follow an open door policy

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Syllabus - General Course Information

• Four credit course for a reason.
• Pre-requisite No programming experience
  expected.
• I use the Internet a lot
• Class website (lecture notes, announcements,
  assignments).
• Email

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Syllabus Policies and Grades
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Syllabus Scholastic Conduct

• I take scholastic conduct SERIOUSLY!
• You are responsible for being familiar with the
  universitys Academic Ethics Policies
  (http//www.uni.edu/pres/policies/301.shtml) and
  my comments on scholastic conduct in my course.
• General rule
• Discussing assignments is normally acceptable.
• Copying code or answers is not. 
• First and foremost, your final submission for any
  assignment should be your own individual,
  original work unless otherwise specified.

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Be aware of things that are distracting!

• Cell phones
• Computers and PDAs

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Guidelines for Success in this Course

• Prepare for lecture! Read the text selections
  before the start of lecture and complete any
  class prep assignment.
• Be on time. Class sessions will start promptly at
  1000.  I will collect assignments at that time
  and will often start with important
  announcements.
• Try things from the book.  Although I may
  sometimes use the book's activities in lectures
  or labs, you will gain more if you try them
  yourself on your time and at your pace.  Most of
  the code used in the text is available on the CD
  that came with the book and off the web.  Grab
  the code and play with it yourself!

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Guidelines for Success in this Course

• Write code on your own! Think of simple problems
  on your own (or from the text) and solve them. 
  If you wonder "what if," TRY IT!
• Make use of the office hours early! Don't wait
  until late in the term to seek help.
• If you spend more than 15 minutes staring at the
  computer stuck on something, ask for help!  I am
  frequently in my office, and there are TAs
  available in the lab several hours a week.
• Be specific in your questions when possible.
  Rather than asking for an explanation of a large
  or general topic, be prepared with specific
  questions or specific examples that raised your
  questions.

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Guidelines for Success in this Course

• Make sure that your code runs in the lab. This is
  especially important for those who complete
  portions of their work at home. Verify that code
  that runs on another machine actually runs in the
  lab so there are no surprises at grading time.
• Remember, programming takes practice.

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Rooms you should know!

• ITTC 322 Lectures
• ITTC 305 The departmental office
• ITTC 316 My office
• ITTC 335 Student Lounge
• Wright 112 Labs on Tuesday. Open-lab other
  days of the week.
• Wright 339 Open-lab (TA hours TBA)
• Wright 207 CNS tech support

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Important announcements

• There is lab tomorrow
• Meets in Wright 112 and starts PROMPTLY at 1000
  AM.
• If you remember, bring a set of headphones
• Read Chapter One before class on Wednesday.