Subject:
[Programming Subcommittee] Meeting 1
From:
Tim Downey <downeyt@cs.fiu.edu>
Date:
10/27/2015 12:14 PM
To:
Tim Downey <downeyt@cis.fiu.edu>, Kip Irvine <irvinek@cs.fiu.edu>, Michael Robinson <mrobi002@cs.fiu.edu>, Nagarajan Prabakar <prabakar@cs.fiu.edu>

Kip Irvine, Michael Robinson and Tim Downey were present at the meeting.

Is Java the right language for IT?
    Python is not object oriented.
    Java is used in new routers to program.
    C# is not so different, not worth the trouble to change to it
    PHP could be used, but would not prepare students for component class
    Conclusion: keep java

Reviewed Programming Fundamentals from ACM
    Treat the topics on a use basis, instead of implementation details
    Graphs and Trees are not covered
    Data Representation is not covered
    Event Driven Programming
    Students are not able to create a solution to problems that required multiple classes

Do we need a client-side programming class?
    Use Javascript to access the DOM to program dynamic pages
    Learn CSS
    Motivate IT students about programming
    Pre-req to COP2250 (or COP2210)
    Possibly tweak the Computing Fundamentals course

Action Items:
    Review advanced courses and determine necessary outcomes from the programming sequence
    Talk to interested faculty about adding a required client-side programming class
-------------------
After the meeting, I met with Prabu. We talked about these topics.
    COP3804 could incorporate some examples like finding the shortest path through a graph
        or creating a spanning tree.
    Data representation is not covered in our sequence. CS students learn it in Fundamentals.
        Perhaps it could be added to the client-side course.
    Python is a popular language. Perhaps it could be introduced in the client-side course. Maybe
        the course becomes client-side and scripting.
---------------------
After the meeting, I looked at the ACM recommendations for server-side programming. Our course
is missing several recommendations. Let's look at the ACM recommendations and think about
redesigning the web class, keeping in mind that it is a prerequisite for Components and Mobile
Apps courses.
---------------------
Kip sent me a syllabus to consider for cop3804.  I have attached it so we can
discuss it next meeting.

Is 10 am on Tuesday good for everyone next week?

Regards,
Tim

-- 
Tim Downey
Senior Instructor

Attachments:
cop3804_topics_KI.docx	13.6 KB