Re: Java-Ada 2005 Syntax / Language Features Comparisons

[John McCormick <mccormick@cs.uni.edu>]

Switching languages in the second course is a sure way to create
frustrated students.  They are barely able to program in any language
after only 15 weeks.  They still think concretely in that first
programming language.  Very few students see the abstractions
necessary necessary to springboard to a new language - it is almost
like they are starting from scratch.  I can't imagine that keeping the
same language for the second course but teaching it with a book that
uses a different language is much better.

We teach Ada in both CS1 and CS2.  We teach algorithmic problem
solving in CS1 and move to an OO approach in CS2.  We switch to Java
in CS3 where patterns are the goal.  We don't need any "hooks" in CS2
to motivate a link betweeen CS1 and CS3.  And we don't just dump Java
on them in CS3 - we provide guidance on how "experienced" programmers
learn a new language.  I think that this guidance provides our
students with an important skill for learning in the future.  Our
students did not fare nearly as well when we just dumped a new
language on them in the third course.

John

On Aug 9, 7:33 am, michael.mcn...@usma.edu wrote:
> Thanks for everyone's responses.
> - I already have the Steelman reference and will use a couple snippets
> from it.
> - While I've considered using a Data Structures book that uses Ada
> 2005, I've decided against it for several reasons.
> - I agree that having "primitive cheat-sheets" is not best for all NEW
> CS majors, there are a handful of students whose learning styles call
> for something like this.  If a student doesn't want (or need) to refer
> to it, they certainly don't have to.
> - The next course they take uses Java, although we don't teach them
> Java - it is expected that they do some self-study to learn the
> language.  This means the following: CS1 teaches problem solving using
> Ada; CS2 teaches data structures using Ada (but using a Java data
> structures book); CS3 is Advanced Programming Concepts (using Java)
> that focuses quite a bit on Design Patterns.
> - The book that I'm using in CS2 also introduces students to UML,
> sequence diagrams, and several other important concepts that we use in
> the CS3 course.  Therefore, this CS2 course is the "hook" I'm using to
> link their CS1 course to their CS3 course without directly "teaching"
> a new programming language.  The book used in the CS2 course helps me
> teach the concepts, with the extra benefit of their gaining some basic
> familiarity with language they will use in their CS3 course.
> - I agree with having recode some stuff using "syntax equivalents" is
> a bad idea.  That's why I stated that they understand the concepts
> from the book and implement them in Ada.  I certainly am not
> advocating that they understand the SYNTAX from the book and code that
> in "equivalent" Ada SYNTAX.
> - The wiki reference will be helpful.
>
> Thanks again to everyone's input.
>
> Mike