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Learning Options

A Range of Learning Options

The Computer Studies Department is offering new, innovative methods to teach CCRI students how to program and work with computers. The advances encompass alternate learning methods, software to teach programming concepts visually, and course offerings in video game programming, IT support and Web development.

Alternate Learning Options

Alternate learning options are available for several sections of Introduction to Computers, offering students a chance to either complete portions of their work independently in one of three ways-online or hybrid, hands-on, or test-out:

Online/Hybrid—The course can be completed entirely online, or via a hybrid schedule where a student can meet with the instructor once a week. For hybrid courses, students combine class time with online learning.

Hands-on—Class work is completed in an electronic classroom with the instructor available to answer questions.

Test-out—At the instructor’s discretion, advanced students take exams in place of coursework, proving they have mastered the material.

In the Course Bulletin, these courses will be flagged as having alternative learning options available. “These options allow students to learn on their schedule and at their own pace,” adds Karen Allen, computer studies faculty member.

Visual Learners Develop Programming Concepts with Alice

Another tool being used in programming classes is a unique shareware program called Alice. Faculty member Mike Kelly uses the Alice program as a teaching tool in his Programming Concepts classes. The program teaches programming concepts through manipulation of graphic objects. As Kelly explains, students create a virtual world—from amusement parks to beaches to cities. They add water, grass, space, and set the scene; then add objects from a gallery. Each object is assigned methods or events, such as walking, turning, interacting with other characters and objects. The point of the software is to teach students “the thinking and logic of programming concepts,” while making learning more appealing by using graphics. The program is used in all Programming Concept courses (COMI 1150), and Introduction to Computer Software (COMI 1140).

“Students learn a particular programming language and how to think procedurally by learning visually oriented fundamentals,” explains Kelly. Another benefit, extols Kelly, is when students make a change that won’t work, they see it right away and can “debug” the program. Alice was developed by Carnegie Melon, and is available for free at Alice.org. The next version is being developed in cooperation with the makers of SIMS video game, incorporating their characters.

New Courses & Programs

The Computer Studies Department is always updating their course offerings to include the latest technologies and techniques. For students not pursuing a degree in computer studies, many programs offer certificates that can be completed in about half the time.

One fairly new course, Beginning Game Programming, gives CCRI students the opportunity to combine their interests with their job skills. Video and computer games account for $6.1 billion in sales annually in the US alone. The job prospects in the software publishing field are estimated to grow more than 65% between 2002 and 2012, according to the US Dept. of Labor and Training. These positions typically pay between $35,000 and $75,000 a year.

Are you the person who troubleshoots when computers “misbehave?” Do you have a gift for explaining things? If you answered yes, consider the IT Support Specialist program at CCRI. As part of expanded course offerings last fall, CCRI now offers associate’s degree and certificate programs in IT Support.

Developing and building Web sites are the topics of two other new programs launched last fall. CCRI offers associate and certificate programs in both Web Site Development and Web Programming.

And finally, Programming in Fourth Generation Languages is a new, three credit course covering the fundamentals of MySQL (structured query language) and relational databases. The course is designed for students with little or no relational databases management experience. MySQL is a language often requested in job descriptions. Using open source available at mysql.com, the course is designed to appeal to programmers who need to interface, manipulate and transfer data between databases.

Whether it’s new teaching tools or the latest courses, with nearly 400 students formally enrolled, CCRI’s computer studies and information processing programs help students prepare for and embrace the technology of the future.

Name Department E-mail
Karen Allen Computer Studies kallen@ccri.edu
Mike Kelly Computer Studies kelly@ccri.edu