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CSD-1133: Problem Solving & Program Logic Lesson Plan

This course, "Problem Solving & Program Logic," embarks on a historical journey through the milestones of computer development, providing a rich foundation for understanding modern programming concepts.

Students will explore the evolution of computers by engaging in creative simulations and DIY projects that bring history to life.

From simulating the ENIAC, one of the earliest computers, using transistors on a whiteboard, to leveraging Raspberry Pi to "go to the metal" and gain insights into low-level programming, the course is designed to provide hands-on experiences that bridge historical developments with contemporary applications.

Students will have the opportunity to recreate and experiment with the milestones of computer history, such as early operating systems and language interpreters.

This approach not only enriches the learning experience by providing context to algorithm and logic development but also enhances problem-solving skills by encouraging a deeper understanding of how these foundational technologies have influenced modern programming paradigms.

Through these activities, the course aims to cultivate an appreciation for the iterative nature of technological advancement and inspire innovative thinking within the realm of program logic and design.

This curriculum follows a case study approach by:

Using historical context as a framework (vacuum tube to modern AI)

Focusing on language-independent concepts

Incorporating weekly case studies

Building progressively from basic to advanced concepts

Emphasizing problem-solving and program logic

Using pseudocode and flowcharting as primary tools

### Course Overview This language-independent course introduces fundamental programming concepts through a historical lens, using the evolution of computers as a framework. Students will learn problem-solving and program logic through hands-on exercises, pseudocode, and flowcharting, building from basic computing concepts to modern implementations.

### Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Design, test, and debug programs using a top-down modernized approach 2. Control program flow using decision and repetitive structures 3. Implement array processing techniques 4. Develop programs that process data from files 5. Create software solutions using pseudocode and flowchart tools 6. Apply structured programming techniques to solve problems

### Weekly Breakdown

#### Week 1: Introduction to Problem Solving and Computing History - Course introduction and overview - Historical context: Vacuum tube computers - Problem-solving methodology - Introduction to pseudocode and flowcharting - Lab: Creating basic flowcharts for simple problems - Case Study: ENIAC and early problem-solving approaches

#### Week 2: Basic Program Structure and Logic - Program structure fundamentals - Variables and data types - Basic input/output operations - Sequence structure - Lab: Writing pseudocode for linear programs - Case Study: Evolution from vacuum tubes to transistors

#### Week 3: Decision Structures - Boolean logic and conditions - IF-THEN-ELSE structures - CASE/SWITCH structures - Lab: Flowcharting decision structures - Case Study: Early decision-making in computer programs

#### Week 4: Repetitive Structures I - Introduction to loops - While loops - Do-While loops - Lab: Creating flowcharts and pseudocode for iterative processes - Case Study: Early batch processing systems

#### Week 5: Repetitive Structures II - For loops - Nested loops - Loop control statements - Lab: Solving problems using multiple loop types - Case Study: Evolution of program control structures

#### Week 6: Arrays and Data Structures I - Introduction to arrays - One-dimensional arrays - Array operations - Lab: Array manipulation exercises - Case Study: Early data storage solutions

#### Week 7: Arrays and Data Structures II - Multi-dimensional arrays - Array searching - Array sorting - Lab: Implementing basic sorting algorithms - Case Study: Development of memory systems

#### Week 8: Midterm Project - Comprehensive problem-solving project - Implementation of multiple concepts - Documentation requirements - Project presentation - Case Study: Integration of concepts through historical perspective

#### Week 9: File Processing I - Introduction to file operations - Sequential file access - Error handling - Lab: Basic file operations - Case Study: Evolution of storage systems

#### Week 10: File Processing II - Random access files - File update operations - Data validation - Lab: Advanced file handling - Case Study: Modern storage solutions

#### Week 11: Functions and Modular Programming I - Function concepts - Parameter passing - Return values - Lab: Creating and using functions - Case Study: Development of modular programming

#### Week 12: Functions and Modular Programming II - Function libraries - Scope and lifetime - Program organization - Lab: Building a function library - Case Study: Modern software development practices

#### Week 13: Advanced Problem-Solving Techniques - Problem decomposition - Algorithm efficiency - Documentation standards - Lab: Complex problem-solving exercises - Case Study: Modern AI applications

#### Week 14: Final Project and Course Wrap-up - Final project implementation - Course review - Modern programming concepts - Future trends discussion - Case Study: From vacuum tubes to modern AI

### Assessment Structure - Weekly Labs: 30% - Midterm Project: 25% - Final Project: 35% - Participation: 10%

### Teaching Methodology - Historical case studies each week - Hands-on labs with pseudocode and flowcharting - Progressive building of concepts - Language-independent approach - Focus on problem-solving techniques - Integration of historical context with modern applications

### Required Materials - Flowcharting software - Pseudocode development environment - Case study materials (provided) - Lab worksheets (provided)

### Additional Resources - Historical computing references - Modern programming examples - Online problem-solving tools - Supplementary practice exercises

"Circuitry & Code: A Journey Through Time in the Digital Revolution"

Embark on an engaging and enlightening journey through the history of computational hardware, software, and thought—beginning in the 1930s and traversing to the present day.

this narrative Is a travelogue, inviting readers to explore pivotal moments in technology development as if they are traveling through time.

1. Start in the 1930s, introducing readers to the earliest mechanical computers, such as the Zuse Z1 and the pioneering ideas of Alan Turing.

2. Move through the wartime era, highlighting the influence of machines like the ENIAC and Colossus, which laid the groundwork for electronic computation.

3. Guide readers through the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the transition from vacuum tubes to transistors and the creation of foundational programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL. Illustrate the impact of these innovations on scientific and business computing.

4. Journey into the 1970s and 1980s, a time of significant innovation with the development of the microprocessor, personal computing, and software evolution, exemplified by milestones such as the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh.

5. Explore the 1990s, with its explosive growth of the Internet and the initiation of open-source software movements, detailing how these advancements democratized technology.

6. Move into the early 2000s, chronicling the rise of mobile computing and cloud technologies, and emphasize the shifts in software design philosophies driven by these new platforms.

7. Conclude in the present day, examining the emergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the ongoing influence of computational thinking in modern society.

Throughout this travelogue, incorporate personal anecdotes from key figures, insights on how each technological advancement influenced society, and reflections on future possibilities. Use vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling to capture the spirit of discovery and innovation that defines the evolution of computation.

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