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Computer Programming Introduction to Computer Programming paradigms of logic, problem solving and methodologies prepare students for higher education classes in computer programming and software design and development. This class has included an option of "linear" programming or "event driven" programming, using different software languages to develop understanding in either methodology. These options were used when students had prior experience with the language and wanted to treat the class with an "Independent Study" approach, challenging themselves in "self-learning" and had the support from sources other than the direct instruction from the teacher. A new "gaming" option has been added to programming classes, as tools to increase understanding in abstract logic surrounding Object Oriented Programming and Inheritance. Student accomplishment in the area of programming in "traditional" languages is first and foremost in class goals, with the "gaming" options used as tools to introduce abstract and complicated logic to the student. Addressing and effectively executing methods of looping, recursion, process or procedural and function calls, the gaming languages add understanding through simplistic approaches to Inheritance and Object Oriented Programming paradigms. Many universities are introducing students to computer programming using game creation; Carnegie Mellon University has developed their own software application, Java based “Alice”, as part of their program. This is one of the gaming options we have to use for class. New competition based opportunities for the game programming is also becoming popular, with school programs earning support funding for successful teams. With a multi-billion dollar industry, beginning to compete with Hollywood financially, potential in this career area is extremely competitive and challenging. It is also growing fast, and open to not only those "technically” oriented, but creative and artistic individuals, too. In Oregon, there is a man currently writing game programs for cell phones using Gamemaker software. This is the software we will be using for this introductory class. |
