Week 2

Learning objectives

Upon finishing this learning module, you should be able to:

  • Describe the difference between analog and binary, bits and bytes
  • Do conversions between binary and decimal number systems.
  • Explain how the PageRank algorithm works
  • Write Python code to do simple computation with numbers and strings

Class Schedule

First Class Meeting

In class:

  • Bits and Binary Overview
  • Introduce Impacts of Computing
  • Work on programming

Independent:

  • Binary and Bits Readings
  • Number Systems & Binary readings
  • BinaryPractice Worksheet
  • Programming - Complete Ch 14
  • Programming - Ch 15 Reading

Second Class Meeting

In class:

  • PageRank Activity
  • Work on programming

Independent:

  • Algorithm of the Week Reading
  • Do written assignment
  • Programming - Complete Ch 15
  • Programming - Ch 16 Reading

Programming

Do the following assignments based on Programming chapters from Welcome To CS. Completion assignments are graded for accuracy. Reading assignments are graded for attempting all of the interactive elements on the assigned pages.

  • Ch 14 - Completion
  • Ch 15 - Reading & Completion
  • Ch 16 - Reading - Stop when you hit the Chapter Summary
Make sure you are logged into the book so your work is saved and you get credit. The surest way to make sure you are logged in is to start the programming assignment by clicking on the button in the corresponding assignment in Elearn.

Binary and Bits

Read Ch 3 - Binary and Bits of Welcome To CS.


Number Systems & Binary

Read Ch 4.1-4.3 of Welcome To CS. This is the first three sections of Data Representation.

Do the BinaryPractice worksheet. You can find it, and all future worksheets, in the Files area in elearn. You can find a key for the worksheet there as well.

Worksheets like this are provided so you can practice the material and verify that you understand it before doing the written assignment. You will not turn the worksheets in. Do the problems and use the key to check your own work.

If you have questions about any of the problems on a worksheet, ask about them!


Algorithm of the Week: PageRank

  • Read Chapter 3 of Nine Algorithms that Changed the Future.

  • Try out a PageRank simulator (you will need to use this for your assignment).

  • You can find a worksheet called PageRankPractice and a key for it in the Files area of Canvas. It has a couple of problems you can use to test your understanding of how PageRank works.


Impacts of Computing

As we explore various algorithms and the technologies they power, it is important to consider the effects of these new technologies. Read the first two pages of Ch12 - Impacts of Computing in Welcome To CS.

This week's assignment will ask you to read an article online about a computational technology and to analyze its impacts. The last two pages in the Impacts of Computing chapter are samples of what we are looking for.


Optional Extras

Program or be Programmed - What does it mean not to know how programming works in the modern world?

Google Search - other tricks google uses to rank pages: