Compsci 4, Spring 2009 Introduction to Programming via Animation and 3D Virtual Worlds

Course Announcements

• January 10, 2009: Turns out we will not be using Alice 3 as it is still trying to get to Beta Status. We may use it some later in the semester, but for now we will be using Alice 2.2. See the resource page for info on the most current version. DO NOT use the version on the CD that comes with the book. It is old.

• January 4, 2009: CompSci 4 Quick Note about File transfering

  There is a very easy way to transfer text or html files using a web page. This does not work for Alice files, though they are looking into it.

  http://webfiles.duke.edu

  After typing your Duke NetID it shows you the files you have on your Duke space. One of the folders should be public_html. In there put your compsci4 folder, and in that folder put all your compsci 4 work that goes on the web.

• January 3, 2009: This course will use Alice 3, a new Beta version of Alice that includes the Sims characters. This version will be handed out to you in class.
• January 3, 2009: Some notes about CompSci 4
  1. What is the difference between CompSci 4 and CompSci 1?

     CompSci 1 is an overview of computer science with a focus on the role of computing in society. There is a programming component, you learn to program in Java, but it is a much smaller part of the course. CompSci 1 is tagged as QS and STS.

     CompSci 4 is a programming course in which we program every day and you get a better understanding of programming. It's designation is QS.

     Both are introductory programming courses (assume you have have little or no experience), CompSci 4 gives you more experience with programming.

  2. The first two weeks of this course are a bit hectic and take some settling in time. It is ok if it takes you a bit longer to complete the classwork/assignments the first two weeks! For the majority of you, this is your first experience with programming, so you are not alone. After the first two weeks, we will be using Alice every week and your environment should stay the same for many weeks. At that point you need to try to stay caught up. The last 2-3 weeks we will learn Java, so you will learn one more environment at that point.

  3. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own laptop to class if you have one. To use your own laptop, you need to put some type of file transfer program on it so you can transfer files from your laptop to your Duke web space. This software is free from OIT. If you have trouble installing it, you can post a message to the class bulletin board and try to describe the problem you are having, or you can go to the OIT help desk.

  4. You will need to put Alice on your laptop by Thursday, Jan. 15 You will use the Alice version 3 Beta. I will tell you in class how to get access this version.

  5. For MAC users, please read the "Resources" page. There are lots of things different for a MAC and we have tried to outline these.

  6. Reminder: Assignment 1 is due Wednesday, Jan 14! It is on the web page.

  7. Remember class attendance is required since we work in pairs everyday. I need to know in advance if you have an excused absence for not attending class.

• January 2, 2009: CompSci 4 Final Exam is mandatory and is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2-5pm Do not plan to leave town before then.
• old announcements

Course Description:

This is a hands on course. During class we will be working in pairs on the computer to design 3-D virtual worlds. Outside of class projects will be done in pairs and singly.

LAPTOP: If you have your own laptop, bring it to class. It will be much easier to keep all your work on your own laptop. There are also class laptops you can use. We use laptops almost everyday.

CompSci 4 will introduce you to the world of computer science and you will learn how to make impressive animations for your other courses or clubs. If you want to take a second computer science course after this course, CompSci 4 will prepare you for CompSci 6.

If you have taken CompSci 1, you can take this course. If you have taken CompSci 6 or CompSci 100 then you cannot get credit for this course.

Required Background: